Nitrogen vs. Sewage

The sewer system that has been discussed for East Falmouth is not about sewage. It’s about nitrogen. However, it’s not just East Falmouth. Nitrogen is a problem that affects West Falmouth Harbor, Oyster Pond, and other estuaries in Falmouth, which do not have enough tidal flushing to deal with the excess nitrogen. Because most of the nitrogen comes from septic systems, a sewer system has been suggested to address this issue, but it is not the only potential solution.

New Silver Beach is about sewage. It’s about failed septic systems. It is not about nitrogen. The only reason New Silver Beach is getting a sewer system is because there is no practical way to put a functioning Title V septic system on the lots in that neighborhood. If there was no sewage problem in New Silver Beach, it would not get a sewer because Wild Harbor has enough tidal flushing to deal with the nitrogen.

The nitrogen in our estuaries and the sewage in New Silver Beach are like apples and oranges; they are two separate, unrelated issues.

The problem in New Silver Beach is the same problem that any homeowner in Falmouth faces if their septic system fails. The difference is that in New Silver Beach, the taxpayers are being asked to help foot the bill.

There is no doubt that New Silver Beach needs — and has waited too long for — a sewer system. However, we need to put our feelings aside and look at this issue objectively. If we are going to increase our taxes to pay for this project, then we — the public — should benefit. If not, then the public shouldn’t be paying for it. It’s that simple.

I really tried to find a public benefit to justify this expense of taxpayer money. I spoke with the board of health, the DPW, and the selectmen. Although they tried, none could offer a public benefit for New Silver Beach.

New Silver Beach is a private neighborhood. There are no public beaches or businesses open to the public. Only about 200 homes will be tied into this system. It will never be expanded and it will never be used by sewage haulers. One public building, the North Falmouth Elementary school, is being tied into New Silver Beach, but it doesn’t need a new septic system.

Several years ago, Town Meeting was told that the elementary school is being tied-in to help balance the sewage flow, which means that it’s being done to benefit New Silver Beach, not the general public.

When you go to the polls on May 15, remember that New Silver Beach is about sewage, not nitrogen, and then ask yourself: If — like New Silver Beach — my septic system failed, who would pay to replace it?

(This entry also appeared as a letter in the Tuesday, May 8 Falmouth Enterprise)