Parallel Peanut Line project put on hold
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

The sewer problems between Clarence and Amherst continue, and this time it's not just over money - the protection of the environment is in question.

(See editorial on page four)

Thomas J. Whetham, deputy commissioner of the Erie County Division of Sewerage Management, has been working on a plan to build a secondary sewer line parallel to the Peanut Line.

"There are environmental pollution problems," he said about the capacity constraints affecting both towns.

Also, the Harris Hill section of Clarence still uses septic tanks and some are failing.

He said the proposed Harris Hill Pollution Abatement Sewage Works Corporation project, would also address the capacity problems in Amherst, which become more evident during hard rainfalls at the sewer sanitary overflows, and with some backup into homes.

However, the project is currently on hold. Following the April 23 meeting with the Amherst Town Board, Whetham said Erie County has decided to pause.

Amherst is also putting the project on hold, deciding not to post a request for proposal at this time. The Town Board's main concern is that in the past it has not been paid by Clarence for sewage treatment.

In addition, several members said they wanted more information on financing the project, how it would be maintained and contractual concerns before moving forward.

According to Whetham, several Western New York developers have expressed interest in financing the installation of the infrastructure, however the developers would want to be allowed to build along the new sewer line.

"We want to develop a framework for regional growth ... without opening up the opportunity for sprawl," he said, adding the concern is about smart, controlled growth.

During the pause, Erie County will review these concerns, he said.

Town of Amherst Engineer Jeff Burroughs said he recommends further investigation into the project to address the capacity concerns within the town.

"There is no more capacity on the Amherst side. The sewage has to go through Amherst, and we have to build additional capacity on the Amherst side going to Plant 16 (wastewater treatment plant)," he said. "The longer we delay the more it costs, that's how it is with any construction project."

Amherst has been dealing with its capacity problems by increasing the North French line, but it's an expensive project, Burroughs said. The line at Dodge Road is also operating at c a p a c i t y.

Should the project never move forward Whetham said the alternative would be to do nothing but when the septic tanks fail in Clarence the homeowners would have to replace them. Also, Clarence would continue to use its two treatment plants, one in Spaulding Lake and the other in Clarence Research Park Plant.

"We feel at an environmental standpoint the best solution is the one being proposed," he said. "The dilemma is needing money when building the project but what would be the consequences?"

He added should the project move forward with the assistance of developers a contract will be filed stating exactly what development would be allowed.

Currently Amherst and Erie County continue to review the plan. No action has been taken to date.