Oxford Sewer Blocks Traced to Grease
Mayor Greg Henley opened last night’s council meeting in Oxford by admonishing residents who have been dumping things down the drain that should not flow to the sewer.
In the past couple of weeks, the public works crew had to bring in a sewer vacuum truck to help clear blockages in three locations around the town.
Henley says the culprit appears to be cooking oil, and other kinds of oils that should be disposed of in compost, not down the drain or the toilet.
Henley says improper disposal of oil and other materials is costing all taxpayers money, when the town has to dedicate more workers and equipment to fixing what are avoidable problems.
Henley also noted that some residents have voiced concerns regarding the installation of new flashing lights at the town’s main intersection. A town committee recommended the lights, in an effort to catch the attention of far-too-many drivers who zip through that intersection, which can be particularly busy just before and just after school. Despite the presence of a crossing guard at those times, there have been numerous incidents of drivers failing to stop.
The town posted a note on its website announcing the installation of the three flashing lights – two solar, one grid-tied. Unfortunately, the contractor hired for the job installed amber lights, when they were supposed to be red. Henley says the supplier who made the mistake will be back to change the lights to the proper colour.
Council has directed the Public Works crew to help out with Bunny Trail maintenance. Trail stewards Allie and Maxine Clarke asked the town to provide a dump truck load of mulch to apply to the trails to improve accessibility and to help reduce the risk of catching ticks while using the popular wooded trail, located off the Trans-Canada Trailhead in South Oxford.
The need for mulch was identified as the Clarkes received word of a volunteer day of work on the trail by a junior high class at OREC, slated for later in the Spring.
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