Sewer service coming soon to some low-income Hilton Head residents
A project to bring public sewer access to residents on parts of Gumtree Road begins June 8.
The Hilton Head Island Public Service District says construction crews will install a sewer line and make drainage improvements along the road, between School and Wild Horse roads.
The town-funded project should bring immediate access to about 28 properties on Gumtree Road, district general manager Pete Nardi said. About 18 other properties on Ned Court and Rhiner Drive will have access once the project is completed, but those property owners would need to pay to build a hook-up to the sewer line, he said.
Work should be finished within four months. Crews will periodically close one lane at a time on Gumtree Road during construction, Nardi said.
The $484,000 project comes as public officials search for money to extend sewer services in low-income communities that rely on failing septic systems. Such systems pose a public health risk when they fail, because feces and other waste can carry deadly bacteria and viruses, some of which likely flow to waterways.
About 920 properties -- many in black and Hispanic neighborhoods -- lack sewer access in the district, which serves the north end of the island. One property could represent a single homeowner or multiple households. Those without access make up about 5 percent of the sewer district's customers.
Mayor David Bennett has said extending sewer access is his No. 1 goal. He plans to set aside funding this year for sewer services, but he hasn't said how much.
Town Council will discuss next year's budget at a 4 p.m. meeting Wednesday at Town Hall.
Follow reporter Dan Burley on Twitter at twitter.com/IPBG_Dan.
This story was originally published May 22, 2015 at 6:13 PM with the headline "Sewer service coming soon to some low-income Hilton Head residents."