Langley begins looking at long-range plans for sewer

Replacing old lines and enticing new hookups are the top priorities for Langley’s sewer system, according to a report from the city’s contracted engineering firm. Susan Boyd, vice president of engineering firm PACE, presented the initial report to the city council Monday that covered everything from a push to make the system work with gravity rather than grinder pumps to the environmental needs of a seaside town like Langley. About 60 percent of the city’s residences are connected to the sewer system. The rest are on septic systems, according to Langley Utilities Supervisor Randi Perry. That means 60 percent of the people are paying for 100 percent of the work that goes into maintaining and investing in a sewer: the pipes, the pump stations, the treatment facility, etc.

By Ben Watanabe • May 19, 2015 5:23 pm

Replacing old lines and enticing new hookups are the top priorities for Langley’s sewer system, according to a report from the city’s contracted engineering firm.

Susan Boyd, vice president of engineering firm PACE, presented the initial report to the city council Monday that covered everything from a push to make the system work with gravity rather than grinder pumps to the environmental needs of a seaside town like Langley. About 60 percent of the city’s residences are connected to the sewer system. The rest are on septic systems, according to Langley Utilities Supervisor Randi Perry. That means 60 percent of the people are paying for 100 percent of the work that goes into maintaining and investing in a sewer: the pipes, the pump stations, the treatment facility, etc.

“Sewer systems, there’s nothing sexy about it,” she said.

According to the report from PACE, there are 450 connections in Langley and 6.87 miles of pipe to three pump stations.

“There’s enough capacity,” Boyd said.

The issue for Langley is convincing those not currently hooked up to pay the price of a connection. It’s not cheap, and the city knows it.

Langley leaders have long sought ways to offer payment systems or rebates. Boyd said that part of PACE’s work on the city’s sewer comprehensive plan is to look at programs other cities implemented and apply it to Langley when possible.

Several council members said that when the sewer plan was last updated a decade ago, the language about penalties for residences that didn’t connect to the sewer line was softened. Now, the city has little recourse to make property owners connect, and Langley wants to change that.

“We need ideas for changing the ordinance’s language to be more aggressive for hooking up,” Mayor Fred McCarthy said.

The sewer plan from PACE will be designed to guide Langley as it goes forward with sewer work and development. Some of the goals include extending to areas without sewer lines so that if a property owner’s septic system fails and they are ready to connect, they can; address infiltration and inflow problems to existing lines; renewal and replacement of the lines via the city’s capital improvement plan; and pump station upgrades.

“I really hope it serves you for years to come,” Boyd said.