By Joseph Edgerton
Staff Writer

The ongoing wastewater connection moratorium in Pembroke and Allenstown may prove costly in terms of sprawl if an upgrade to the sewer system is not made.

The Suncook Wastewater treatment plant has exceeded 80 percent of its capacity since April 2002, and was recently told by the Department of Environmental Services to plan for expansion and forbid new hookups until that plan becomes a reality. A $7 million estimate has been made regarding that expansion.

Sewer or septic?
The alternative for newcomers to either town is an expensive one. Septic systems are the only route, and septic system designer Peter Stoddard said that route isn't always easy.

Stoddard works for Bedford Design Consultants in Manchester, which designs but does not install septic systems.

"The cost of getting a design is around $1,500 minimum, and installation is typically another $10,000 on top of that," he said. "Most systems need to be pumped every two to three years, and that costs about $200."

Before a septic system can even be installed, state regulations for size and distance must be met, and local guidelines are often more strict.

"The state says you need a 10-foot setback from your property line, a 75-foot setback from wetlands or wells, and a 25-foot setback from your foundation," said Stoddard. "A 10-foot-by- 40-foot leaching field is necessary for a typical four-bedroom house."

Septic forces sprawl
The moratorium's financial effects on homeowners are obvious, but some residents have identified equally serious longterm concerns. If the moratorium continues, the towns could face urban sprawl and an increased strain on services as residents opt for septic systems in more rural areas.

Laura Bonk is an Allenstown resident and a member of the conservation commission. Thirty- five new homes are being constructed next to her property.

"Development isn't coming to a screeching halt, it's just happening further away from the center of town," she said. "I'm not opposed to development, I'm just opposed to sprawl. I'd rather see increased development near the center of town, where there are more services."

According to Bonk, several houses along the Suncook River already suffer from failing septic systems, and the town would be better served by a centralized wastewater facility.

"Massachusetts law requires that when a house is sold, its septic system must pass inspection," she said. "New Hampshire doesn't have that law, and some of the homes show it."

Bonk said she is afraid that as people move to the outskirts of town, in addition to disrupting wildlife habitats, they will be farther from schools, libraries and emergency services.

"It would be better if people could build where there are sewer hookups, not six miles away from downtown," she said.

Allenstown police Capt. Shaun Mulholland said the response time of emergency personnel could vary, but would most likely not be strained by additional development.

"The fire department and ambulance have a fixed response time, but ours could vary depending on where our units are," he said. "Our time varies from seven to 15 minutes. More houses and development might mean more calls, but it won't have a negative effect on our operations."

No stop to growth yet
Troy Brown is the Pembroke town administrator, and said the moratorium has had mixed effects on development.

"I haven't been made aware of anyone who had a land sale fall through, or any development proposals that fell through because of lack of sewer capacity," he said. "However, I'm sure the lack of capacity will be one of a few factors for people starting new businesses."

Brown said to the best of his knowledge the only additional inconvenience is reflected in the proposed Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district at the intersection of Routes 3 and 106.

"The lack of capacity has caused the selectmen to put a hold on the TIF," he said. "We don't know if we can justify spending the taxpayers. money for business that may not come to the district due to sewer capacity."