Area sewer project could unlock development
Board takes first step with study approval
Macomb Township took the initial steps toward participation in a county interceptor project on Feb. 10, authorizing a study for sanitary sewer service in relation to a proposed interceptor along 26 Mile Road.
During an electronically held meeting on Feb. 10, the Macomb Township Board of Trustees voted unanimously, by all present board members, to authorize proceeding with a study in the amount of $12,653. Clerk Kristi Pozzi was absent from the meeting. The study will be for sanitary sewer service from a proposed county interceptor along 26 Mile Road.
“Currently, Macomb County Office of Public Works is studying
the possibility of running a interceptor sewer, sanitary sewer along 26 Mile from approximately Gratiot to Hayes Road,” Macomb Township Engineer James Van Tiflin said.
The project is an effort to provide some sanitary sewer service to areas that currently do not have it in the north end of Macomb County, specifically Ray Township and areas of Macomb, Washington, Chesterfield and Lenox townships, Van Tiflin said.
The county requested these northern Macomb County communities provide flow projections for areas that could use the new interceptor, as well as pipe diameters and depths at connection points, by Feb. 26. Van Tiflin said this is necessary so the county can next look at apportionment of the cost of the project to each participating community.
“So the county has asked us to do some background, all these communities that are involved. The benefit for Macomb Township is these areas aren’t currently served and the sewers are a good distance away. In some areas we have got sewers, sanitary sewers at least three miles away. So it would take a lot to extend the sewer up into this area and if we could get something on 26 Mile it would facilitate development in that area,” Van Tiflin said.
He also said that the township is currently examining revising the master plan in this area of the township, which currently has a lot of low density zoning. Van Tiflin said that the township needs more industrial space, and commercial at 26 Mile could be a good location for these facilities.
“Right now they’re estimating that project to be $92 million,” Van Tiflin said, “Obviously this is very early and they need to continue to vet this out, but they need to know who is interested and how much they need.”
The township’s engineering and water and sewer departments obtained an estimate from engineering consultant Fishbeck to complete the study. The total estimate based on the company’s current hourly rates is $12,653.
“I should mention to the board that this is just step one in probably a multistep process if this continues on,” Van Tiflin said.
He indicated there could be some additional work required as the township works with the county on the project, which could mean he could need to return to the board with additional requests.
“One way this project is attractive to us specifically is because there is a need for more capacity along 26 Mile Road specifically,” Supervisor Frank Viviano said.
He added other proposals to bring sewer into northern parts of the township have been discussed by the county, but these would be more expensive and involve fewer communities. The proposed project involves five communities, offering the opportunity to spread the potential $90 million to $95 million project cost across them all, according to Viviano.
“That gives us the unique opportunity to get sewer for what otherwise might cost a lot more money in the future, if this project goes forward,” Viviano said. “So far all five communities are interested, all five communities are going back and doing a similar study to what we are doing. The next stage, if we all go forward, is see what we all need and let the county sort of take this information and break it all down and come back to us all with some more firm numbers. I am also recommending we go forward with this because I do not think we are ever going to get a better chance to share the expense of the sewer for our northern part of our community.”
Treasurer Leon Drolet said the project is an opportunity to bring services to the northern part of the county at a lower rate and with the help of the Macomb County Public Works Office.
“So, you know, yes, it costs a few dollars, more than a few dollars, but the results could be very significantly positive for Macomb Township down the line,” Drolet said.
Viviano said the project is similar to what occurred during the 1970s in the township, when sewer capacity spurred development.
“So whatever this may cost, it is going to be spread out over five communities. If it goes forward we will likely see it back and then some in the development potential,” Viviano said.
Van Tiflin said the plan would not only spur development in the 26 Mile Road area, but would give the township some flexibility with regards to how that area of the township is developed.