General Questions About the Project

Q: How will this wastewater project benefit me and my property?

The first, most important benefit is for the health of people who use the lake: Johnson Lake is being used more all the time, including more summer visitors and more year-round residents. A well-designed, well-running sewer system will promote good public health for the long term, will help keep the lake clean, and will preserve the health and safety of the drinking water systems.

Second, we know that many of the current septic systems do not meet the separation requirements from drinking water wells, the edge of the lake, property lines, and building lines, as established by the state regulatory agencies. Although these septic systems may continue to operate as long as they are in good condition, they will not be allowed to be replaced when they wear out. Since these septic systems will not last forever, a new dependable public sewer system is needed to allow residents to receive full use and enjoyment of their property at Johnson Lake.

Third, a dependable sewer system will increase the value and use of the homes and businesses by providing a modern and reliable sewer system and eliminating the uncertainties with maintaining the current system of individual septic tanks.

Q: I have a good, well-working septic system now, so why do I have to hook up to this sewer project?

Even though your system is in good condition at present, it may not meet current separation requirements as established by the state regulatory agencies. When the system does wear out, it will not be allowed to be replaced if it is impossible for the replacement system to meet regulations.

Q: Did the Nebraska Supreme Court ever make a decision?

Questions About the System Components and Design

Q: Where exactly will you locate the sewer lines in my area or through my yard?

The exact location of each sewer line will be determined during Phase II, when final designs will be completed. To do this, we will talk to many of the homeowners. About May 15, we will mail each property owner/leasee a plan showing how the new sewer will connect to your house. We'll include instructions for asking questions, making requests and giving the JLET team any additional information they might need for your property.

Q: Will the lagoon have a bad smell?

For most of the year, no. There will be friendly plants and bacteria treating the sewage. But twice a year, for a week or so each spring and fall, the lagoon will “turn over” and there will be a slightly unpleasant odor.

Q: Where are you going to locate the lagoon?

We considered several potential properties, and selected a location 3/4 mile south of Johnson Lake, south of County Road 748 and just west of the E-65 irrigation canal. For purposes of odor concerns mentioned above, we looked for a favorable distance from the lake and also considered a location that makes the best sense from an engineering viewpoint. The SID maintenance building and office will be located in this general area, east of the E-65 irrigation canal.

Questions About Costs and Financing

Q: Do the individual homeowners pay for this, or does the state pay, or maybe Central?

The responsibility for paying for this system lies with the individual leasees and lot owners. State Game and Parks will pay assessments for the property they own. Central will pay assessments for the property they are using themselves and not leasing.

Q: Why can't all costs be specially accessed?

Sanitary and Improvement District No. 1 of Gosper County (i.e. SID No. 1) was formed under the statutes of the State of Nebraska. As such, the methods of financing must follow the statutes and the law. The general obligation portion of costs therefore must be repaid from SID taxes, generated from a levy on property values within the boundaries of the SID. The Trustees of SID No. 1 are bound to follow the law, and therefore, there are no other options.

Q: How much will the new sewer system cost each homeowner?

See discussion in Phase I tab.

Q: Why isn’t Central putting in the wastewater system at Johnson Lake since they own most of the property?

The wastewater problems (small lot size, encroachment upon public water systems and private wells, and potential for leaching into the lake) are common to all home/cabin and business owners around Johnson Lake--both leased and deeded. The research committees, formed during the summer of 2002 to study the sewer and entity issues, determined that Central didn’t have any legal means of providing sewers for the deeded owners and that it was not part of the current organizational mission of public power districts to build sewers. Their mission could have possibly been changed with legislation. However, that would have taken additional time attempting to get the necessary legislation passed, resulting in additional delays to find a solution and complete the project.

In addition, Central wouldn’t have a means to deal with the deeded properties since they do not own them. It was therefore determined that either a village or SID would best serve our needs and upon polling those affected, the SID was favored by a 2:1 margin.

Q: Will Central share in the cost of the wastewater system and how will it affect our future lease fees if they are based on the improved lot values?

JLDI, being the lake’s entity that represents the majority of the cabin/home owners, is planning to form a committee to address Central’s possible participation in the project cost and to further explore the 2008 changes to the lease fees, which are to be based on the “Unimproved Lot Values” and define how the sewer improvements will be considered by the appraisers. Any voluntary contribution by Central towards the total project cost will reduce the total amount remaining to be divided among the business and home/cabin owners. Central will only be assessed directly for those unleased properties that they own and are considered developable.

Q: How will Nebraska Game & Parks pay since they are tax exempt?

Nebraska Game & Parks will pay a special assessment like other lot owners/leasees for that portion of the project that can be specially assessed. Their representative share of the related general obligation expenses (paid by tax levy) will be included in the directly billed special assessment in accordance with the provisions of § 31-752 based upon the benefit to that property.

Questions About Construction

Q: When are you actually going to start working in my yard?

Working in your yard is likely to occur sometime during late 2006, or during 2007, depending on the construction contractor's work plan, phasing schedule, weather conditions, and progress in other areas around Johnson Lake. Another important factor which may affect schedule is the availability of state loan money needed to finance the project. It is the goal of the SID Trustees to obtain this money on a timely basis to build the project as quickly as possible. And, you can be assured, we'll be in close communication with each homeowner as we move into specific construction sites. We have established a field office, located at 75102 Johnson Lake Drive, and staff can be reached at 308-785-2203 or jlet@johnsonlake.net.

Q: Will we have to dig up and dispose of our old septic tanks?

Once the new public sewer system is completed and hooked up to your house, your septic and drain field system will need to be abandoned. This will be done by the contractor hired to do the overall project and will include pumping out the contents and filling the tank with gravel or compacted soil to avoid future collapse. The drain field system can be abandoned, but left in the ground.

The costs of the connections and septic system abandonment will no doubt vary between homes, so the costs for disposing of your septic tank, and making your connection, will be based on your individual situation. These costs will be included in the property owner's special assessment.

Q: What if I have to replace my septic system now, before the new sewer system is in?

The responsibility of maintaining a good working septic system and treating sewage wastes is the responsibility of each resident and business owner. If your system needs repairs or replacement before the new public sewer system is built, you should contact Department of Environmental Quality representatives Gary Buttermore (402) 471-8283 or Jon Mohr (402) 471-4372. There may be temporary measures or actions that can be taken to meet short-term requirements and meet regulations, similar to what other residences have had to do.

Q: Does Central control and fund the SID?

Central does not have any of their directors or staff members on the SID board of directors and have agreed by resolution to allow the lessees to select (vote for) future trustees. During the research process, they agreed to provide office support (photo copying, mailing, etc.), limited financial assistance (professional fees), and assist with the public meetings (hall rental) for the committees and during the formation process of any entity that was chosen by the people at Johnson Lake. Central’s only requirement expressed was that whatever system selected must meet the state and federal regulations.

Keeping Informed, Giving Your Feedback

Q: How can I keep informed and also give you my ideas and opinions?