Exploring Amsterdam’s Sewer Connections: Jefferson Health Board’s Vision for a Sustainable Future

By Christopher Dacanay

STEUBENVILLE — The Jefferson County Board of Health met on Thursday to discuss how to connect more properties in Amsterdam to the village sewer system. This issue has been a work in progress for about two years. The board is focused on finding solutions that are fair to all property owners.

Recently, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency required Amsterdam to stop using septic tanks that discharge waste into Yellow Creek. The law mandates that once a new sanitary sewer system is built, all properties must connect to it and abandon their septic tanks. Amsterdam property owners were given a deadline in July to make this switch, but many have yet to comply.

It’s been six months since the health board notified residents to decommission their septic tanks and hook into the sewer. The board warned that after another six months, those who don’t comply may face fines or even jail time. Many residents have expressed financial concerns. Some struggle with rising costs and the lack of available contractors to complete the work.

Mark Maragos, the Environmental Health Director, shared that he has received multiple calls from residents worried about the costs of connecting. Many ask about potential grant funding, but unfortunately, no such funds are available. Maragos emphasized the urgency of the situation as the deadline approaches.

Board member Terry Bell highlighted the burden this poses to property owners, who not only must pay for the connection but also manage the costs associated with their septic systems. Different properties face varying connection costs. Board President Anthony Mougianis acknowledged the difficulties many residents face and asked if there were ways to assist those in financial distress.

Health Commissioner Andrew Henry pointed out that while they can look for funding, it’s a delicate matter. Some residents who have already paid for their connections might feel unfairly treated if assistance is provided to those who waited.

“Perhaps we could offer low-interest financing,” Mougianis suggested, noting that while it’s not a huge investment, spreading payments over a few years might ease the burden for some.

Maragos mentioned that finding a fair solution is challenging, but the board has already allowed over a year for compliance. So far, only 10 properties have connected since the board’s initial order.

In other discussions, the board explored partnering with county commissioners to tackle these issues more effectively. Suggestions included allowing connection costs to be paid through property taxes over time, which could make it more manageable for residents.

The meeting also touched on community concerns about odors from the Apex Landfill. There were 16 complaints in December and 11 in January, which Maragos noted is an improvement, though they aim to reduce these further. Board member Bell raised a point about whether some odor complaints might be coming from nearby cattle farms instead of the landfill.

Carla Gampolo, an environmental health sanitarian, noted that the tonnage of construction and demolition debris accepted by the landfill has significantly increased due to recent improvements. This increase is partly attributed to investments in better facilities.