After months of controversy and the consideration of several alternatives, the Inn at Cuckolds Lighthouse has found an elegant solution to wastewater disposal. Knickerbocker Group Design Manager Danielle Betts said the Cuckolds Council has received state and local approvals for a Busse sewage treatment system, a new green technology that may revolutionize wastewater disposal in sensitive environments.

“The BUSSE system involves modular units which will be housed under the concrete terrace on the north side of the Keeper’s Quarters,” Betts said. “The system uses Membrane Bioreactor Technology to restore wastewater to hygienic condition suitable for reuse on-site as irrigation water for the lawn area.”

The Busse system was one of seven alternatives investigated by Knickerbocker Group, including six routes to septic disposal fields on Southport Island. Betts said the state determined the Busse unit “represents the best option for the site, given the unique limitations of the island’s location, configuration, size, available resources, and pattern of development.” The new septic system will be installed this fall and operational for the 2015 season.

In the meantime, Southport Code Enforcement Officer Henry Berne said the Inn at Cuckolds is operating on a temporary occupancy permit, pending installation of the septic system. Power is being produced with a generator, wastewater is being temporarily stored in a holding tank and a reverse osmosis water treatment system is producing potable water. Berne said the inn has a 90-day license from the state to serve food.

“The council is continuing the permitting effort to obtain water and electric services from Southport, with proposed utility connections through the 40 Town Landing Road parcel,” Betts said.