Town says 'no hazard'; Citizens will monitor

JERUSALEM—After investigating complaints of possible sewer seepage and high bacteria levels in Keuka Lake off of West Lake Road, the town of Jerusalem is saying that there is no hazard.
Jerusalem released the statement Monday, Nov. 29. It said a number of tests along the lake shore in question were done with the help of the Keuka Watershed Improvement Cooperative and the New York State Department of Health Geneva office.
“The State Health Department agrees with the town of Jerusalem press release, although we prefer to say that no public health hazard is apparent, rather than the more absolute ‘no public health hazard exists,’” said Tom Allocco a spokesperson for the DOH.
Property owner Bonnie Curbeau brought her concerns to the town in July of this year. She previously said she noticed seepage from a bank into the lake and tests showed the presence of E-coli and Coliform.
Jerusalem, with KWIC and the DOH, did a number of their own tests on town water and sewer mains and residential connections. The town’s press release said, “all these tests showed no evidence of any sewage in the ground water.” Wayne Ackart, Jerusalem town engineer, said the last samples were taken Oct. 25.
The town first tested the Jerusalem water main and sewage force main through excavation first. The press release said the town also took samples of ground water to analyze for bacterial levels and chemicals.
Jerusalem said one test of ground water seepage “indicated the possible presence of sewage.” However, the report added two more tests were done and there was no evidence of sewage in the water. Ackart said it was from a private residence. Following all the tests, the town said it would be taking no further action.
“We’re not sure what’s happening, what we’re doing next,” said Curbeau on the town’s findings and decision. She said she and the other residents in that area of West Lake Road would “continue to monitor the seepage.”