FARMINGTON – At the most recent Board of Selectmen meeting Tuesday evening, Perham street resident Elizabeth Cushman asked board members if the town would pick up the cost of sewer improvements on her sewer system, which has been plagued by excessive root growth.

According to Cushman, since June 2001, the roots of a tree located off her property have clogged her sewer system several times, causing it to back up into the basement. “It’s a mess down there,” she said. Cushman believes that because the tree is not on her property and was most likely planted by the town, it should therefore be a town problem. “It shouldn’t be my expense,” said Cushman.

Upon approaching the selectmen about her problem, the former Board of Appeals member had already spent $3,889.95 in repairs and now plans to spend another $2,475. Cushman has even hired the Ted Berry Co. in Livermore to install a trench-less pipe replacement system with a lifetime guarantee. “This job needs to be done before winter and before the problem gets worse,” she said.

Town Manager Dick Davis, although very sympathetic to the situation, admitted that there was no clear way of knowing who planted the tree and that, according to the town sewer ordinance, Cushman is solely responsible. “The town’s responsibility begins and ends at the sewer main,” said Davis.

Wastewater superintendent Steve Moore was also on hand and said two trees in the area could be causing the problem, and that the town will have a difficult time finding the culprit. Moore also pointed out that roots were infiltrating a clay pipe sewer system, and about 75 percent of the pipes in town are built the same way and could have the same problem.

All members of the board expressed their sympathy to Cushman, but in fear of setting a precedent, eventually insisted that their hands were tied. “Unfortunately, sympathy doesn’t pay for anything,” said Chairman Mary Wright.

After a series of brief apologies, the board voted unanimously, 4-0, to deny Cushman’s request.

In a telephone interview after the meeting, Cushman admitted that she was indeed not surprised by the response from the board. “I’m not angry by any means, just disappointed,” said Cushman. While still agreeing with the decision made by the board, the only frustration Cushman expressed was Davis’ inability to admit who was responsible for the tree.

With no plans to pursue the situation further, Cushman simply hopes the town will become aware of problems like hers and that residents begin to take notice.