Calico Bay residents to weigh proposed sewer system

KENANSVILLE — A long-discussed plan to address failing septic systems in two Duplin County communities is nearing a key decision point, as residents prepare to weigh in later this month on whether to move forward.

Representatives from AgriWaste Technology, Inc. (AWT) and the North Carolina Rural Water Association recently briefed county commissioners on the project’s progress. Kevin Davidson with AWT, said an upcoming April 28 meeting with residents of the Calico Bay community will be critical in gauging whether there is enough support to move forward.

The effort is part of a federally backed initiative aimed at addressing gaps in wastewater access in underserved areas. Calico Bay and East Log Cabin Road were selected due to persistent septic system failures and unsuitable soil conditions.

Engineers warn that without a shared, large-scale solution, these issues will continue and could limit future development in both communities.

The proposed solution is a septic tank effluent Pump (STEP) system. Davidson explained that each home would retain its septic tank, but instead of relying entirely on that system, wastewater would be pumped through a septic tank effluent pump to Wallace’s lift station near James Andrews Road.

Central to the plan is the creation of a new water and sewer authority to serve the two communities, manage the system and serve as the applicant for grants and financing.

Davidson emphasized that forming the authority is essential. Without it, the project cannot move forward or qualify for key funding opportunities. That’s where residents come in. A community meeting scheduled for April 28 in Calico Bay, will give homeowners a chance to hear the details, ask questions, and decide if they support the plan. If there is sufficient backing, organizers will ask county commissioners to formally establish the authority.

“We don’t expect everybody to agree… but the folks that have failed water systems, they definitely have a desire to do it,” he explained.

Affordability remains a major factor in whether residents will support the project. Officials aim to keep monthly costs between $50 and $60 per household. Much of the upfront construction cost could be covered by grants, particularly for residents who choose to connect early.

The project plan includes installing connection points throughout the community, allowing homeowners to join immediately or at a later date, though not under the same financial terms.

“As part of the project, we will come along and put those connection points in at every single parcel. Whether or not somebody connects to it is their own decision,” said Davidson. “If you connect to it now, we’re going to try to cover you under the grants.”

Homeowners who choose to connect later, particularly after a septic system failure, could end up paying thousands of dollars out-of-pocket, he said.

Progress in the East Log Cabin Road area remains uncertain due to annexation requirements. Davidson said the most practical option would be to connect to the Town of Teachey’s gravity sewer line south of East Log Cabin Road, but residents have so far resisted due to added cost.

Davidson suggested that a water and sewer authority could help resolve that issue, as the authority would serve as the contracting entity with Teachey.

After years of discussion, officials say the upcoming community meeting could mark a turning point for the project.