Old Lyme WPCA Advances Septic Pump-Out Rule Changes To Selectmen

OLD LYME, CT — The Old Lyme Water Pollution Control Authority unanimously voted July 27 to forward proposed revisions to the town's septic system ordinance to the Board of Selectmen, including a recommendation to shorten the required septic tank pump-out interval from seven years to five years.

The proposed ordinance revisions would also authorize an agent appointed by the Board of Selectmen or the Water Pollution Control Authority to perform duties currently assigned to the town sanitarian, a position the town no longer has. Commission members said the existing ordinance, adopted in 2019, has not been effectively utilized. Dennis Melluzzo made the motion to forward the revisions, Bill Reynolds seconded it, and the measure passed unanimously with no opposition or abstentions.

The authority also discussed efforts to improve compliance with the town's septic pump-out program through its attorneys, Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey. Members reported that more than 1,000 properties are delinquent on required pump-outs. The authority plans to send letters to septic haulers requesting they update pump-out records as work is completed. After notifying haulers, the authority intends to contact noncompliant property owners, initially providing 30 days to comply before pursuing stronger enforcement measures. Members also discussed updating notification postcards and improving address records by working with the assessor's office to provide Carmody with quarterly property data updates.

During a budget update, members reported the authority has approximately $15,781 in carryover funds. Officials said the remaining balance is expected to help cover upcoming legal expenses and noted the budget remains in good condition because spending on supplies and mailings has been limited.

During public comment, resident Bill Randazzo raised concerns about long-term groundwater availability, noting that Connecticut Water and several shoreline beach associations draw from the same aquifer. Randazzo urged further study of the region's groundwater supply as year-round residency continues to increase. In response, authority members said the issue had recently been discussed with state officials and noted that stormwater runoff reaching Long Island Sound instead of infiltrating the ground also affects groundwater recharge.

In general discussion, Melluzzo suggested the authority explore partnerships with organizations such as the Rogers Lake Authorityto help prevent water pollution. Commission member Dimitri Tolchinski said he was encouraged by the authority's recent progress.