Project Will Fix Sewer 'Choke Hold' On Northeast Westchester

NEW CASTLE, NY — Longstanding sewage issues in northeast Westchester County will now be addressed as the $15 million Saw Mill Relief Sewer Project is scheduled to begin four years early.

Westchester County Executive George Latimer announced that a relief sewer will soon be installed on a section of the Saw Mill along Hunt’s Lane in New Castle. The infrastructure project will relieve a “choke point” on the Saw Mill River sewer trunk line by increasing the pipe size to 30 inches. It is expected to solve problems that have worsened over the years while protecting the surrounding communities and watershed.

"Protecting the quality of water in Westchester is one of our highest priorities and part of this is making improvements to our sewer infrastructure that was designed a lifetime ago," said Commissioner of the Department of Planning Norma Drummond. "This Relief Project will help protect the local water for another lifetime."

Any diversion of sewage to the improved line will be coordinated and funded by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection under a separate project.

"We are grateful to the County for its leadership and proud of our partnership with Mount Kisco," said New Castle Town Supervisor Ivy Pool. "Accelerating the relief sewer project is an essential regional infrastructure improvement and is the best solution for our shared environment, our residents and our future."

The Saw Mill Relief Sewer Project was moved up after the Westchester County Departments of Environmental Facilities, Planning and Health worked with Mount Kisco and New Castle officials to develop a cost-effective solution. It had initially been planned to start in 2024; however, due to the urgency the Department of Environmental Facilities expedited the planning and design, Commissioner Vincent Kopicki said.

Promoting the passage of the project through the Westchester Legislature's Committee on Public Works and Transportation, County Legislator Vedat Gashi said: “This is an excellent example of what can be accomplished when all levels of government are engaged and work towards a common purpose. This vital infrastructure project was long overdue."

Mayor of Mount Kisco Gina Picinich said she was pleased to be fortifying such essential infrastructure to prepare for the future.

"More sewer connections with a bigger flow means cleaner water," said Legislator Kitley Covill.

Construction will start in 2021. The work will include, but not be limited to: excavation and fill; tunneling; paving and other roadwork; the installation of sanitary sewer pipe and manholes.