E. Dundee to chip in for new sewer system

A program in East Dundee will help homeowners in flood-prone areas of the village pull the plug on chronic sewer backups.

The village will split the costs up to $1,000 of installing an overhead sewer system. Permit fees for the project are also waived for eligible homeowners.

The system, which can cost between $4,000 and $6,000, elevates pipes in the basement level containing waste water. Basements with pipes that drain directly into the floor are a flood risk because water and other liquids seek their own level. An overhead sewer eliminates this risk.

The program is a response to the aftermath of last August's damaging storm that left several homeowners in the Flats and Terrace sections wading through raw sewage and storm water.

"After the August floods, the village wanted to find a way to help people," said Heather Zipparro, a village development specialist. "Any homeowner can apply for the assistance."

Zipparro said the village budgeted $10,000 for the first year of the program and will re-evaluate that amount based on demand.

If numerous homeowners apply for and receive funding, Zipparro said a waiting list would be created for the following year.

But some residents say the program is a Band-Aid covering a larger proble,

"I appreciate that the village is trying to help, but they need to fix the sewers first," said Kathy Kalish, whose North Street home was flooded last August.

Participation in the program is limited to owner-occupied single-family residences in East Dundee. The homeowner must first apply for the financial assistance and receive a letter of approval from the building inspector before beginning the project. Zipparro said the reimbursement is recouped after all billing invoices are submitted and the village's building inspector has approved the work.

The overhead sewer program is part of the village's endeavor to improve the village's infrastructure and assist homeowners to modernize their homes.

A $25,000 Kane County Riverboat Grant the village received in June will enable the village to continue lining sewer lines and manholes. The lining reduces inflow and infiltration, whereby water that should flow through the village's storm water sewer system instead moves through the sewer system, backing it up.

Residents of some west side neighborhoods say as much as 3 feet of raw sewage backed up from the village system into about 30 basements through floor drains, bathtubs, showers and toilets during the storm

Information or application forms are available on the village's Web site, www.eastdundee.net.