Four Corners Water and Sewer Project
Project Overview
The Four Corners Water and Sewer Project encompasses a 500-acre area surrounding and extending north and west of the intersection of Routes 195 and 44 in northern Mansfield, which serves as the northern gateway to Mansfield and the University of Connecticut This area has ground water contamination that has been monitored by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) for the past 20 years caused by a number of different leaks from gasoline stations as well as from failing septic systems. While these have been addressed, there is a continuing need to provide adequate, clean drinking water and safe sewage disposal to this area that is limited by environmental constraints including a high groundwater table, inland wetlands and soils unsuitable for long-term use of on-site septic disposal systems. Additionally, the contamination and resulting limitations on land use have resulted in progressive deterioration of many properties in the area, leading to a serious blighted appearance.
The Town is proposing to develop public water and sewer systems for approximately 60 parcels in this area. Remediation of the environmental issues noted above requires a public sewer system while a public water source is needed to support sustainable redevelopment/development options that will increase the town’s tax base and help eliminate blight in the area. To address these needs, the Town is partnering with the University of Connecticut on a study to identify a new source of water. Total cost of the water and sewer project is estimated at $10.1 million, which is proposed to be funding through a combination of bonds, assessments, and grants. For more detailed information on the need for these improvements, project activities and current status, please see the Four Corners Project Guide, which can be viewed and downloaded using Adobe Acrobat Reader.
If you are interested in getting more involved, the Four Corners Sewer and Water Advisory Committee is assisting the Town Council and Town staff with evaluation of sewer and water options, financing options and dissemination of information to the public. The Committee meets monthly; agendas and minutes can be found on the Committee webpage.
Project Updates and Related News
- November 2011
- Referendum on $350,000 bond issue to fund design of portions of the water and sewer systems scheduled for November 8, 2011
- September 2011
- UConn retains Milone and McBroom Inc. to prepare Water Source EIE
- Kick-off meeting held with University, Town and Four Corners Committee representatives
- June 2011
- UConn holds scoping session for new Water Source Environmental Impact Statement (EIE). The purpose of the EIE is to identify a new source/s of water for both the University and Town to serve future development. The following alternatives will be evaluated:
- Connecticut Water interconnection through Tolland
- Windham Water Works interconnection
- New groundwater sources
- No action
- Town of Mansfield decides to co-sponsor EIE to further Four Corners efforts
- Town submits Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grant application for $425,000 to Department of Economic and Community Development to fund the Town’s share of the EIE and design of the water supply system
Reports and Publications
- Water Source Study for Four Corners-Draft Report
January 2011 report identifying potential sources of water for Four Corners area
- Four Corners Project Guide - Coming Soon
Report summarizing project background, goals and activities
- Sewer Study Summary
A one-page summary of the Wastewater Facilities Plan prepared in 2008
- Wastewater Facilities Plan
Includes analysis of existing conditions and needs for the Four Corners area as well as recommendations for design and installation of new wastewater facilities to serve the area (2008)
Maps
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are looking for quick answers, check out our FAQ page.
Contact Information
For more information, please contact either:
Lon Hultgren or Linda Painter, AICP
Director of Public Works Director of Planning and Development
860.429.3332 860.429.3330
Audrey P. Beck Municipal Building
4 South Eagleville Road
Mansfield, Connecticut 06268-2599