Cornwall’s wastewater project begins with panel’s oversight

CORNWALL — A nine-member Wastewater Management Committee, formerly the Wastewater Study Committee, has met for the first time to oversee the construction phase of the West Cornwall village sewer project, according to a report heard at the regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen held on Tuesday, Aug. 16.

The committee recently elected Todd Piker to remain as chair and Don Bachman to serve as vice chair.

Most members of the former study committee are remaining to serve on the new committee that will oversee design and construction phases.

Newly appointed to serve on the committee was Bruce Whiteford of West Cornwall.

The selectmen voted unanimously to continue the service of WMC Engineers and that of Engineer Stephen McDonald in view of past work to bring the project through its study phase, including completing detailed applications for federal funding.

“We have a well-rounded committee,” First Selectman Gordon Ridgway said of the group that brings “a variety of members with appropriate expertise.”

“We’ve been working with the state Housing and Urban Development office,” Ridgway said, adding that before that office can release the $3 million grant to the town, an environmental impact report must be submitted.

Colts Foot Valley

A request from the Conservation Commission to the selectmen to approve the preservation of about 32 acres near Quarry Hill was approved, clearing the way for the Conservation Trust to apply for state funding.

Property owners in the area are asking that the properties be preserved as they stand within the viewshed east of Colts Foot Valley.

Ridgway commented that the acres are on a steep, unbuildable slope and the land is contiguous to other preserved land.

Food and Fuel Fund running low

Ridgway announced that the Cornwall Food and Fuel Fund is running low, showing a current balance of $10,000.

Although the food pantry is working with the Food Share program to good advantage, he said that residents should know that the need still exists.