By Geoffrey Wertime, Staff Writer
MANSFIELD — Residents of the Village of Columbus may soon be able to abandon their septic systems in favor of a wastewater treatment plant.
At its Feb. 25 meeting, the Township Committee unanimously passed two resolutions authorizing the township to seek loans from the New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Financing Program for the design and development of a wastewater facility, according to Township Administrator Joseph Broski.
“In the Village of Columbus, the soils are of a heavy clay which does not allow the (septic) systems to operate properly,” he said.
“Consequently many of them are failing, creating a health problem which the elected officials are very concerned about, and this will help alleviate the current problems and allow for the future village center.”
Between 700 and 900 buildings would hook up the plant, he added, though the township will have no details until the design is complete. It is not yet under way.
The loan applications were due Monday.

