Brown County Regional Sewer District officials have been working on a project to hopefully bring sewers closer to residents in the Bean Blossom area.
“We want homeowners to know that no one is out to get them, we’re here to keep the water clean,” Brown County Sewer District Board Vice President and Technical Manager Clint Studabaker said.
After findings of e. coli (Escherichia coli) in Brown County streams and waterways, especially in Jackson and Hamblen townships, the Hoosier Environment Council completed an investigation on water and soil samples to evaluate the source. According to their report, the leading causes for the bacteria in Brown County waterways were livestock, wild animals and septic systems.
E. coli is a bacteria that is found in the intestines of all warm-blooded mammals, including humans, and passed through feces.
Studabaker said that in Jackson and Hamblen townships, roughly 40 percent of residents have no record at the health department of their septic systems.
“Keeping record was not required until the 1990s and many of these homes are much older than that,” Studabaker said. “That raised a flag to me. What does that mean, what quality are they in, are they maintained, are the surrounding soils acceptable to take septic water?”
The Brown County Regional Sewer District has an interest in water quality and how the community and individuals can work to keep it clean, according to Studabaker.
“We are looking into the value of community sewer systems instead of private customers,” Studabaker said.
The full project will take place in the area between Woodland Lake and Lake Lemon, passing through Helmsburg and Trevlac. Studabaker said that the Sewer District has accepted the territory of the marina and trailer park on Lake Lemon, which are in Monroe county.
Helmsburg and Brown County regional sewer districts are teaming up for the project with Helmsburg working on construction plans to rebuild their facility. By the end of the year, the districts are hoping to be looking for construction bids to design the new facility.
The division one initial plan will range from the new Helmsburg facility toward Woodland Lake.
Surveying, field research, engineering, easement and development plans are being completed before the sewer construction can begin.
Brown County Regional Sewer District has received $2.2 million from the Indiana State Revolving fund to cover engineering through development in the form of a forgivable loan.
“There will be a main line that runs from Helmsburg through lift stations, which receive flow and have pumps to push it to the next location. The main line will go to the greater Bean Blossom area around highway 45 and will branch off into surrounding areas in Bean Blossom to allow homeowners to each have their own lines that will connect to a wet well and grinder pump put in their yard to replace the septic tank and lateral fields.”
Studabaker said that homeowners will have the option to keep their septic tank, but will need to get it inspected and prove that it is both functional and registered to qualify for the exemption.
“We are trying to set up that the initial cost (for installing the new sewer system at homes) is in the funding from the state,” Studabaker said. “That would be if homeowners want us to install as we are coming by their house, there would be no cost for installment. We are still working on the finances to make sure that would be possible.”
Studabaker said that homeowners might also need to pay for the electricity that runs from their house to the grinder pump, which turns on as needed.
The Brown County Regional Sewer District has scheduled an informational session titled the Septic Summit on September 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the 4-H Fairgrounds.
Studabaker said that they are planning on introducing the sewer plan, but the main cause for the event is to educate people on their septic system and provide contact information for repairs and replacements.
“The 4-H lovebugs group will be providing sandwiches, drinks and snacks,” Studabaker said. “It is free to attend, all you need to give is your time. Come, stay and learn about your septic systems.”
