VANDERBURGH CO., IN (WFIE) -
Residents in the Bohannan Estates Subdivision in Vanderburgh will soon be getting a new sewer system thanks to a half million dollar grant from the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs.
That grant was given based on the overall need for the health and safety of residents. With a widespread E-coli problem in the neighborhood, neighbors are excited to see a sewer system that they've needed for many years.
The 51 homes in the Bohannon Estates Subdivision will soon have the opportunity to abandon their septic systems and tap into new sewers, a system they've needed for many years.
"There was a lot of people who had septic problems, seepage and water. Our main problem was water not being able to drain right," resident Roger Bass said.
"Occasionally if it's been a really wet season, and you get down near the ditches near the road, you'll pick up a little whif you know just coming across," resident Don Beaman said.
The standing water and sewage backup in lawns and ditches was more than just a odor in the neighborhood. The health department says it led to a widespread E-coli problem. The county received the grant in part because of the threat to the overall health and wellness of the community.
Residents are happy they aren't facing the original $10,000 per home estimates before the grant was secured.
"Yes, yes, very happy it brings our standards up to the standards of Vanderburgh County. The sewer will be a one-time deal and it will be trouble free," Bass said.
The grant does not cover all fees. Residents will be responsible for the county tap and fee and running pipes to the sewer.
"Initially, I heard figures thrown around between $2,000 and $3,000 per household as a ballpark estimate," county engineer John Stoll said.
The health department says if residents have a functioning septic system, they won't be required to tap into the sewer system. However, if a system fails, no new permits will be issued and those residents would have to tap into the county lines.
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