Trending
FLEMINGTON -- Flemington Borough Council recently adopted an ordinance that sets guidelines related to the lateral sewer system in homes that would be put up for sale.
The ordinance, which went into effect March 14, requires homeowners who want to place their house on the market to have its sewer lateral inspected by a third party company.
Councilmember Dave Grimm, who serves as the sewer committee chair, said the ordinance is to help stop infiltration of groundwater and other materials into the borough's sewer line.
According to Grimm, the borough is charged for any infiltration that's found at the wastewater treatment plant.
The ordinance states a property owner must utilize a third party contractor to record the system, searching for any damage or needed repairs. Once the recording is complete, a property owner can submit the recording to the borough.
Those who need a recommendation for a contractor to do the work can stop by the borough's office at 126 High St., Flemington, for a list of area companies.
Grimm noted a borough employee must be on-site when the recording takes place as well.
"If the lateral is in bad shape, it must be corrected," Grimm said.
According to Grimm, the borough has many older homes that have outdated laterals between the sewer line and the structure, often made of terracotta or other materials. These systems must be updated to ensure low infiltration rates for its sewer system.
The borough hopes, over time, these older lateral systems can be replaced to lower the cost of infiltration fees.
"It is an additional cost that we're trying to eliminate. That cost is an additional one to our tax payers," he explained.
Grimm said the borough is working on getting the word out to real estate agents and its residents to ensure the new ordinance is followed.
According to the ordinance, property owners who do not adhere to the new rule could face penalties between $300 and $1,000.