Sewer vs. Septic: The debate continues in Granger

August 10, 2011|By Colleen Ferreira (cferreira@wsbt.com), Click here to follow Colleen on Twitter | By Colleen Ferreira (cferreira@wsbt.com), Click here to follow Colleen on Twitter

GRANGER — It's a battle between septics and sewers in Granger. The St. Joseph County Health Department is asking the county to move forward with plans to install sewers into Granger's business district, but some said the cost of this new project raises a red flag.

The health department said public health is being ignored. The nitrate levels in the water are reaching all-time highs in Granger because the water is over-contaminated with byproducts.

The health department said this water is not hazardous to your health right away, but they are trying to take preventive measures to clean the water before it makes people sick.

And they said a sewer is the solution.

"I think the sewer system is for the future," said Between the Buns owner Phil Schreiber.

And a stretch of land on State Road 23 may soon see a sewer in its near future.

"The septics in this area, not just mine, many, are on its last legs and we're having to spend way too much money to pump on a regular business," Schreiber said.

Schreiber said the change will free up land for new business.

"Maybe we can see a hotel in Granger, maybe more retails, some doctor offices,” he said. “That would be able to fill up some green space right now that's being left for septic spaces."

A septic tank lies right under the front of Schreiber’s restaurant. He said changing a septic tank to a sewer system would allow them to convert the entire grassy area out front into a patio, therefore giving him more business in the long run.

But increased business isn't the health department's concern. They said staying with septics could put your health at risk.

"We don't know that people are sick out there,” said Dr. Thomas Felger, A health officer for the St. Joseph County Health Department. “We certainly don't have a pattern that we need to go out and make an immediate intervention. But it doesn't take a lot of thinking to know that if there are waste products in the water, it's eventually going to be a health issue."

Businesses will be required to hook up to the new sewer system, and about 80 homes in the area will eventually be asked to do the same.

"The people that hook up will pay the brunt of it," Felger said.

Some homeowners weren't thrilled to hear that.

"I don't know if I’d want to pay too much more at this point," said Granger homeowner Michelle Sauerwien.

“If it costs more, I don't like it," said Granger homeowner Greg Freeman.

The debate over septics and sewers is in its very early stages. Many people we spoke with say they need more information before supporting the new project.

The county will hold a public meeting to survey businesses and homeowners on August 23. At that time, they will have an official sewer project plan ironed out.

The county said for homeowners, the cost for a sewer system could range from $75 - $90 a month depending on use. That's just a ballpark range, though.

It will be more expensive for businesses, and there is also the sewer hookup cost.

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