Federal Dollars Showered on Peach Lake in Southeast

Peach Lake observed on a cloudy and dank morning. The sun will shine over Peach Lake once a new sewer collection system is constructed with federal stimulus money. Photo by Eric Gross Thirteen million dollars is headed to Peach Lake to correct a long-standing issue of failing septic systems resulting in the pollution of the body of water that straddles the Southeast-North Salem town line.

The funds are part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, approved by Congress earlier this year, and have been earmarked to support the design and construction of a new Peach Lake collection system, pump station, and treatment plant.

Speaking from Washington, Congressman John Hall told the Courier, "The water quality of Peach Lake needs immediate remediation to eliminate health risks and stop the lake's degradation."

The Peach Lake Sewer District has been plagued with pollution for years. Peach Lake has been on the list of New York State's most impaired water bodies since 1998. Over the decades the former summer community has seen its lake fill with choking algae as a result of malfunctioning and poorly designed septic systems that flowed into the lake through excessive year-round use.

Rep. Hall said that with the new sewer system and water treatment plant, "residents of Peach Lake will no longer have to be concerned about their drinking water. Funding clean water infrastructure is a smart investment that will help protect public health and create long-term value for years to come."

Once construction gets underway next year, Rep. Hall predicted new jobs will be created, including pipeline contractors, site workers, masons, chemical and propane suppliers, plumbers, electricians, painters, drillers, surveyors, engineers, accountants, mechanical engineers, suppliers, manufacturers, and laborers.

During a visit to the lake last week, Amy Rosmarin, Peach Lake Sewer District Town Board liaison, expressed excitement on behalf of her 125 fellow homeowners. "We are thrilled to receive this grant that will reduce the per household annual fee. We can't thank Congressman Hall enough for his help in procuring these funds."

The Putnam Health Department confirmed the construction of a new sewer system and water treatment plant was the only option to eliminate the health risks while stopping the lake degradation.