On Monday, the ribbon was cut for the Chautauqua Lake Westside Sewer District Phase I Extension. Pictured from left: South and Center Chautauqua Lake Sewer District Director Thomas Walsh, Sewer District board member Tom Erlandson, County Legislature Chairman Pierre Chagnon, Sewer District board member Andrea McLean, County Executive PJ Wendel, Sewer District Board Chairperson Karen Rine, Christine McAllister from Rep. Nick Langworthy’s office, Sewer District board member Bill Taylor, and Project Manager Paul McGarvey with GHT Consulting Services. P-J photo by Gregory Bacon

STOW — Rolland Kidder stood in the background as the ribbon was cut for the Chautauqua Lake Westside Sewer District Phase I Extension. But there are few who have had a greater influence than he.

On Monday, area officials gathered to celebrate the Phase I sewer district extension.

“Rolly Kidder would always remind us about completing this sewer project,” County Executive PJ Wendel said Monday afternoon at the Hadley Bay Pump Station in Stow. “This has been a project we’ve all been working on for many, many years, decades in fact. I’m so honored to be here today to cut the ribbon.”

According to information provided by South and Center Chautauqua Lake Sewer District Director Thomas Walsh, the sewer system to the west side of the lake will service approximately 770 developed parcels. The extension is required as the result of existing private septic systems not meeting standards and/or approaching the end of their useful life. These septic systems are a significant source of phosphorus loading within Chautauqua Lake via direct or tributary waterways discharging into the lake.

The cost of the project, which was set back in 2017, is $16.9 million. Of that amount, $7,972,000 is coming from grants and $8,928,000 comes from a 0% interest loan which originated from the New York State Environmental Facilities Corp from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. Individuals who will be paying for the sewer will pay around $930 annually for the loan portion for the next 30 years.

According to Walsh, in 2002 the lake phosphorus level exceeded the state Department of Environmental Conservation guidance value of 0.020 mg/L, which is in place to protect recreational uses of lakes. In 2004, Chautauqua Lake was officially designated as an impaired waterbody by NYSDEC per Section 303(d) of the federal Clean Water Act.

County Legislature Chairman Pierre Chagnon noted that former North Harmony Town Supervisor Sally Carlson, who passed away in 2018, was a big proponent of the project. “(She’s) smiling down on us today. Even though it’s raining, she’s delighted that we’re here today,” he said.

According to Chagnon, nine and half years ago former County Executive Vince Horrigan put together a steering committee to look at the options for the lake for public sewers. A few years later they were able to create a plan and eventually break ground for the project.

Chagnon noted there were key factors which made it happen, including, “Vision, persistence, dedication, team work, great staff, hard working board, outstanding consultants, and an amazing construction contract.”

Sewer District board member Tom Erlandson noted that the sewer district extension will protect home owners as well. “While sewering the lake is important, in my opinion, it’s even more important for public health, in the sense that you remove septic tanks from near people’s wells,” he said.

At one point, Erlandson said 41% of homes in that area were contaminating their own wells with their septic tanks.

After the ribbon cutting, The Post-Journal/OBSERVER asked about when Phase II will begin, since the money has essentially been acquired.

According to Walsh, they are already in the planning phase for the Phase II extension. He is hoping to break ground on that project in the fall of 2024. Some of that will depend on help with the state Department of Environmental Conservation.