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CHAUTAUQUA, N.Y. \u2013 South & Center Chautauqua Lake Sewer District leaders gathered Thursday to celebrate the formal completion of Phase II of the district\u2019s Westside Sewer Extension, marking another major milestone in the decades-long effort to expand public sewer service around Chautauqua Lake.<\/p>\n
Phase II of the project, which began in 2024 and was completed this summer, extended public sewer service along approximately 3.6 miles of NYS Route 394 in the Towns of North Harmony and Chautauqua, providing service to approximately 520 parcels.<\/p>\n
The Phase II extension continues the County\u2019s long-term investment in protecting Chautauqua Lake while replacing aging or failing private septic systems with centralized public sewer infrastructure. Failing and outdated septic systems can contribute phosphorus and other nutrients to the lake through direct discharges and tributary waterways.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday is an important milestone for Chautauqua Lake, our lake communities and the future of this County,\u201d said Chautauqua County Executive Paul M. Wendel Jr. \u201cFor decades, County leaders, our sewer district, state and federal partners, and residents have worked toward the goal of expanding public sewer service around Chautauqua Lake. The completion of Phase II demonstrates what can be accomplished when we remain committed to that vision. This project is about more than pipes and infrastructure \u2014 it is about protecting our lake, strengthening our communities and making a long-term investment in Chautauqua County.\u201d<\/p>\n
Thomas Walsh, Director of the South & Center Chautauqua Lake Sewer District, said the completion of Phase II represents years of planning, engineering and construction work.<\/p>\n
\u201cCompleting Phase II is a significant accomplishment for the South & Center Chautauqua Lake Sewer District and for everyone who has contributed to this project,\u201d said Walsh. \u201cThis extension brings reliable public sewer service to hundreds of properties while addressing aging septic infrastructure and reducing potential nutrient loading to Chautauqua Lake. We are proud of the work that has gone into this phase and grateful to our staff, contractors, engineers, residents and funding partners who helped make it a reality.\u201d<\/p>\n
Karen Rine, Chair of the South & Center Chautauqua Lake Sewer District Board, said the project reflects a long-term commitment to protecting the lake for future generations.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis ribbon cutting represents much more than the completion of a construction project,\u201d said Rine. \u201cIt represents decades of persistence and a shared commitment to the health of Chautauqua Lake. The completion of Phase II is a tremendous achievement, and I want to recognize the dedication of our district staff, board members, County officials and all of our partners who have continued moving this important work forward.\u201d<\/p>\n
The South & Center Chautauqua Lake Sewer District\u2019s Westside Sewer Extension began with Phase I in 2017, extending the district toward the Hamlet of Stow. Phase II continued that work from the Stow area westward along NYS Route 394 toward the boundary with the North Chautauqua Lake Sewer District service area, as well as along Davis Road toward Camp Prendergast.<\/p>\n