Counting the reasons against sewer system | Letter to the editor

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What’s not to love about the Hadlock sewer idea? After reading official documents, let me count 10 ways:

1. The majority of Hadlock residents do not support the sewer. They don’t see the need for it and the price gives them sticker shock.

2. The whole project would cost over $100 million and the combined costs would drive some people out of their homes and businesses.

3. Hook-up costs for individual houses could go as high as $41,000 each, which families must pay back over time through monthly fees.

4. Annual property taxes would increase, placing stress on working families.

5. The county would love to receive more property taxes so they support the sewer idea.

6. Speculators who bought vacant lands in Hadlock are hoping their properties would be up-zoned with a sewer and sold at a profit to developers. They support the sewer idea.

7. The proposed pressurized system is substandard, untested and would have to be ripped out and replaced after 20 years. This system places pumps and grinders at each household. Residents must cover the costs of maintenance, repair and replacement of these machines, plus the electricity to run them. Government grants will not cover these costs.

8. The consultant hired by the county recommended a gravity system, which is well-tested and lasts 50 years. The gravity system could be funded primarily with government grants. Constructing the sewer again in 20 years would cost more than if we built a gravity system from the start.

9. County documents claim Hadlock landowners will vote on this sewer proposal and yet another document states the county commissioners can decide on their own.

10. Port Townsend has many multi-family zoned lots available with an already existing sewer, so building apartments there is a more affordable idea than constructing an over $100 million sewer in Port Hadlock.

Pamela Roberts
QUILCENE