Targets: Erosion, Illegal Sump Pumps

The Barrington Town Council signed off on separate proposals Monday night to halt shoreline erosion at Latham Park and stop illegal discharges of ground water into the sewer system.

An $18,500 contract with EA Engineering, Science and Technology of Warwick to come up with a solution to fix shoreline erosion at the West Barrington park that sits at the end of Bullock Cove was approved unanimously.

So was a plan by the Department of Public Works to seek out and eliminate illegal sump pumps in Barrington. That vote also was 5-0.

EA Engineering will suggest a way to halt erosion before Barrington makes any improvements to the park, particularly the construction of a new play area. Because Bullock Cove is a federally maintained channel, the town could be eligible for funding from the Army Corps of Engineers.

EA Engineering will do a feasibility study and analyze alternatives for shoreline protection. It has a verbal commitment from Save the Bay to partner with the firm on the project. Save the Bay’s costs will be covered by other funding; it’s not part of the $18,500 budget for this project.

Two workshops with Barrington’s Parks and Recreation, Harbor, and Conservation commissions; town staff and the public will be set up. EA also will hold a public meeting to present preliminary findings and recommendations to stabilize the shoreline.

EA Engineering has worked previously in Barrington. It did the Mussachuck Creek wetland restoration and shoreline stabilization project at the Rhode Island Country Club.

Ridding Barrington of illegal sump pumps that discharge ground water into the sanitary sewer system should drive down fees paid to East Providence by Barrington to treat its sewage.

“Barrington has a relatively tight collection system,” said Alan Corvi, director of the public works department.

The increase in flows during March and April, the rainy months, therefore, is believed to be caused by sump pumps and some deterioration of sewer pipes and manholes.

“It makes absolutely no sense to pump ground water into the sewers,” said Town Council Vice President Jeff Brenner, who made the motion to approve the plan proposed by Corvi.

 Corvi’s plan includes several actions:

• Work with the building official and tax assessor to investigate reported illegal connections during regular inspections.
• Inform residents of this issue through the local news media.
• Give amnesty for up to two years to disconnect illegal connections.
• Ask residents to contact DPW for guidance and options.
• Allow DPW workers to assist property owners in disconnecting the sump pumps.
• Hire a consultant during the next town-wide property revaluation in 2014 to conduct inspections for illegal sump pumps during site visits.
• Provide a list of violators that the town could contact and fine if necessary.

Corvi said that many people in Barrington may not realize that pumping ground water into a sewer line violates a town ordinance.