NORWICH – A settlement agreement requiring year-long residents of Chenango Lake to upgrade their septic systems has been signed by 90 percent of property owners, according to City of Norwich Department of Public Works Superintendent Carl Ivarson. However, at least one family is refusing to sign, which could prompt more litigation before the issue can finally be put to bed.

The City of Norwich has been involved in litigation over Chenango Lake residences since 2003. Originally, the dispute was between two property owners, but soon grew to include every Chenango Lake property owner, including the City of Norwich, which uses the lake as its primary water source.

At the January meeting of the Public Works/Public Safety Committee, Ivarson told committee members that although a majority of the full-time property owners at Chenango Lake had signed the settlement agreement, further litigation may be necessary for those who have not.