To the Editor:
I have been following the proposed sewer project for the beach areas in Old Lyme for many years and have yet to see any test data that supports the need for the sewers. This letter is regarding only Soundview and Hawks Nest because Miami Beach Old Lyme Shores and Old Colony have their own WPCAs and there is no public access to their meeting minutes.
The DEEP-mandated sewers based on density to address pollution in Long Island Sound. The question being ignored is that there is no data presented indicating pollution in Long Island Sound and no recent test data in Soundview to identify areas where there is pollution. The WPCA has not shown any data to identify problems with septic systems in Soundview or anywhere else.
Also consider the fact that there have not been any beach closures at the Old Lyme beaches. A few swim advisories but that occurs after heavy rain along the Connecticut River north of Old Lyme wash pollutants into the river which then flow to Long Island Sound and produce slightly higher than the acceptable limit for bacteria. This occurs when the weather is very hot as well. No data has indicated that the increased bacteria level is coming from the Old Lyme beach properties.
There have been beach closures occasionally in Waterford and New London due to discharges from the sewer treatment plant. The irony is obvious.
Some property owners in Soundview have proposed addressing any septic system problems on an individual property basis. Why build a sewer system when a new septic system for those properties that have a septic problem is a more focused and effective solution. Again, there is no test data supporting the need for the sewer system.
Hawks Nest demanded testing to prove whether or not sewers are needed. Testing of the Garvin properties closest to Long Island Sound were done by the Garvin’s and the late Sandy Garvin submitted the test results and an expert’s conclusions to the WPCA. The WPCA also conducted testing throughout Hawks Nest for at least 2 years. The test result data was available on the Town website. I reviewed it and saw no indication that there were problems that were causing pollution that required sewers. The WPCA never produced a report of the test result findings. I recall reading in their minutes that they were too busy with the sewer project to do a report at that time. It is safe to assume that if the test results supported their case for sewers in Hawks Nest a report would have been produced. I have a copy of the Garvin test results and conclusions should you wish to see it.
DEEP is demanding sewers without identifying a need or conclusive data to indicate that Long Island Sound is being polluted by the beach area properties. Nor have they provided any data indicating there is pollution that would be reduced by sewers. Quite ironic when it is a fact that the DEEP is the largest polluter of the Connecticut River and Long Island Sound because they release millions of gallons of partially treated sewage from sewer treatment plants every year when heavy rain events result in the treatment plants exceeding capacity. This data is available and was reported by the CT Examiner in late 2024.
The WPCA requested $9.5 million for increased cost estimates in 2019 which was approved for borrowing in a referendum. Now they are requesting another $7.6 million, again for increased cost estimates. It is a certainty in my mind that if the referendum approves the $7.6 million and the project commences they will be back again for more $millions to be able to complete the project. Now is the time to put a stop to this project that is based on no test data and no data indicating there is pollution in Long Island Sound that emanates from the beach properties. Address any septic system issues on an individual property basis which most property owners are already doing if they have a problem.
Steven A Ross
Old Lyme, CT