The Franklin Square Apartments in Burlington have been facing a recurring issue with sewage problems, causing wastewater to back up in sinks, leak out of buildings, and even pool on the playground. Residents like Rebecca Aberl have experienced this firsthand, with sewer water flooding their kitchen sinks multiple times in the past few months. The Franklin Square housing complex, owned and managed by the Burlington Housing Authority, comprises 60 apartments spread across seven buildings surrounding a playground in the North End.
The root of the problem, according to residents and officials, lies in improper disposal of materials like oils, fats, toys, and paper products down the drain, leading to blockages and backups. This has been an ongoing concern for years, with slow responses from maintenance personnel, especially after hours, leaving residents frustrated. Emily Kennedy, a resident at Franklin Square, recounted instances where pieces of fecal matter and toilet paper surfaced in her neighbor’s flooded apartment due to blockages caused by condoms and rubber gloves.
The situation has escalated to the point where wastewater leaks are now affecting the playground, which serves as a primary play area for children in the community. Sandra Graves, the director of Champlain Valley Head Start, expressed concern over the potential health hazards posed by these leaks, emphasizing the importance of prompt action by the Burlington Housing Authority to address the issue.
Jeffrey Metcalf, who recently took charge of the housing authority’s building operations department, acknowledged the persistent nature of the sewage problem. Despite efforts to educate residents on proper garbage disposal and plumbing care through newsletters and move-in packets, incidents have continued to occur, with 11 reported cases since November alone. Metcalf highlighted the organization’s swift response to blockages, noting the immediate measures taken to resolve such issues.
In response to the escalating problem, the Burlington Housing Authority has initiated a more comprehensive preventative maintenance plan under the guidance of Steven Murray, the executive director. This plan involves quarterly checks by wastewater servicing companies to clear sewer lines inside and outside the buildings, using camera scopes to identify and address any existing obstructions. The implementation of these proactive measures has already begun at Franklin Square, with P&P Septic conducting thorough cleaning and inspection of waste piping in the most affected buildings.
To supplement these efforts, the housing authority is ramping up resident education through various channels like handouts, posters, emails, and personal conversations. Materials are available in multiple languages, reflecting a commitment to ensuring all residents receive critical information on sewage management and maintenance. Additionally, plans are underway to hire a full-time preventative maintenance administrator to oversee drain line clearance and expedite sewage backup resolutions.
As Murray emphasized, the focus now lies on preventive maintenance as a long-term solution to the persistent sewage issues at Franklin Square. By investing in education, proactive measures, and dedicated staffing, the Burlington Housing Authority aims to mitigate future incidents and provide a safer, healthier living environment for all residents. This concerted effort underscores the organization’s commitment to addressing community concerns and fostering a sustainable solution to sewage problems.
