Orleans board approves emergency sewer grant and orders show-cause hearings for unconnected phase‑one properties

The Orleans Board of Health voted June 18 to issue an emergency sewer connection grant for a homeowner whose septic system is in active failure and to authorize staff to pursue a loan or expanded assistance using remaining sewer‑connection funds.

Alex, a health department staff member presenting the case, said the property — in phase two of the town sewer program — has “been backing up into the house and on the ground outside,” and that the owner was denied Aqua Fund financing because of a prior bankruptcy. Staff recommended departing from the program’s standard requirement to use Aqua Fund approval as a hardship measure and instead provide a direct grant of up to $7,500 toward connection costs, paid directly to the engineer or installer. The board approved the relief and the grant with at least one recorded opposition.

The board also authorized staff to develop an administrative approach to offer additional assistance, including the possible use of roughly $95,000 remaining in the sewer‑connection account for a 0% loan program or other targeted aid. Board members asked staff to return with cost estimates and vendor/contractor quotes before committing funds beyond the initial grant.

Separately, staff presented a status update on phase‑one properties still not connected to the municipal sewer. The board reviewed a spreadsheet categorizing properties that had filed nothing, those with applications or approved plans but no connection, and deferred town‑interest parcels. Members noted many properties already had fines levied and discussed enforcement options.

The board moved to send show‑cause orders to the owners of the most delinquent phase‑one properties and set a special appearance date of July 23. Properties may avoid appearing if they submit documentation before July 23 showing “substantial progress” as determined by staff — for example, a dated contractor confirmation or a paid deposit/invoice. If no substantial progress is shown, fines will be assessed beginning July 24 and continue weekly until progress is demonstrated.

The actions are intended to accelerate connections before the new year and to prioritize emergency cases such as actively failing systems. The board asked staff to return with contractor estimates and a proposed cap for expenditures should more extensive financial assistance be warranted.