Contributed by Rick Wilcox
Part Two
Engineer Freeman C. Coffin’s Report: On Jan. 1, 1897 The necessary surveys were made by Mr. C.A. (Charles Augustus) Bidwell, civil engineer of Stockbridge. Lacking information as to the precise elevation above the sea, all elevations are based upon an arbitrary datum plane, which is 100 feet below the top of a stone monument on the road from Stockbridge to South Lee, at the boundary line of the two towns.
The report covered: Method of Disposal, Quantity of Sewage to be Treated, Area of Filtering Surface Required, Construction of the Beds, System of Sewers, Manholes, Flushing, House Connections, Limitations of the System.
Even more exciting was a table showing: Location, Length, Size and Cost of Sewers and Underdrains (To separate storm water from the sewer lines). An estimated price tag for that portion of the work, $21,264.37. In addition eight flushings, connections from water mains $120.00. Filter beds No. 1.2.3 and 4, $4,500. Total $29,767.02. Adding 15 percent for engineering and contingencies for a grand total of $29,767.02. The report then laid out an annual cost estimate of maintenance with four scenarios ranging from $843.33 to $2,530.00 to be borne by the users.
On May 1, 1900 an ordinance was passed Regulating Plumbing, Drainage and Connections with the Sewerage System. The Selectmen acting as a Board of Health having the power to stop and prevent the discharge from any premises in the town into or upon ay public highway, stream, water course or public place, or into any cesspool or private drain or sewer, and to order a connection to be made with the public sewer… fines of not less than ten dollars nor more than fifty dollars. The ordinance covered seven pages providing the requirements relating to things underground and above ground. Section 3, article 7a: No water-closet shall be used unless its walls are fully and freely washed by the said discharge of said water-closet at each operation. No water-closet shall be set up in any room which has no direct opening for light or air to outside of building.
1968 Town Report: Report of the Selectmen. Park Street Sewer: At present the Park Street Sewer in Stockbridge discharges into the Housatonic River. At the request of the State the Selectmen agreed to request the town install an interceptor pumping station. Between 1972 and 1984 there was talk, meetings, and planning. In 1984 ground was broken for a new sewer system.
