Georgetown, Del., Aug. 18, 2007: Residents and property owners of the Angola Neck area have said ‘yes’ to improved groundwater quality and a healthier environment, voting in favor of a county operated sewer system during a referendum held Saturday, Aug. 18.

Acting on petitions received from property owners, the Sussex County Engineering Department has proposed the creation of the Angola Neck Sanitary Sewer District to include the communities of Angola By The Bay, Angola Crest I & II, Angola Neck Acres, Angola Neck Park, Bay Ridge Woods, The Cove on Herring Creek, Holly Oak Acres, Tall Pines, Woods on Herring Creek and Villages of Herring Creek. Currently, properties in those communities are primarily served by private septic systems, which pose a greater environmental risk.

Results of Saturday’s vote were 568 in favor of the district, with 339 voting against. The tally includes 128 absentee ballots that were cast by qualified property owners and residents.

The County Engineering Department will now begin designing the estimated $33.4 million system to serve the new district and the approximately 1,350 properties, said John J. Ashman, director of Utility Planning. Construction should begin in Summer 2009, and wrap up in 2011.

A copy of the new sanitary sewer district map, as well as a newsletter explaining estimated rates, can be obtained from the County’s Web site at www.sussexcountyde.gov, or by calling (302) 855-1299.