Nearly 10 to 15 percent of homes in Newton’s district 1 will need corrective action to stay within legal compliance of proper wastewater drainage codes, City Administrator Bob Knabel announced in his weekly report Friday.
The city has visually inspected 305 homes in the area located on the west end of Newton for the corrective Inflow and Infiltration project, meant to reduce the amount of storm water that flows from homes into the city’s wastewater system. City crews have been dye testing drains, downspouts and foundation drains running from residential homes to determine if they are connected and flowing into the sanitary sewer. Knabel reports that 55 properties have been dye tested with 24 remaining. Homes constructed before 1930 will not be affected because houses built prior to this era did not have exterior foundation drains.
Mixing storm and waste water is illegal and against EPA regulation, and city officials also note that it increases sewer rates as the extra water is treated at the city’s sewage treatment facility. The city council voted last year to require homeowners to bring their properties up to code and remove the illegal drainage hookups, however, financial assistance of up to $3,000 is available through the city for qualified residents.
City officials have mailed 30 homeowners corrective action plans, and an additional 16 properties may require drain tile, sump pumps and other corrective action.
Knabel also released the cost of President Obama’s May 24 visit, revealing Friday that the city spent nearly $4,000 for the services. The official said that more than 400 man hours were utilized to accommodate the president during his Newton stop and involved personnel from the Police, Fire and Public Works Departments.
The city administrator also announced a retirement from the Newton Police Department Friday. K9 Toby will retire after 14 years of serving the community. K9 handler Officer Rob Burdess will also be hanging up his leash. Burdess will continue in the NPD’s investigation unit. According to the city report, Burdess, Toby and his retired partner Topper have found lost children, elderly citizens and wanted suspects throughout their years in law enforcement.