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Sewerage system pursuit continues
Research Results William Luker of Speaks and Associates, Consulting Engineers, Inc. gave the findings of a study he had done since the previous meeting in September. He reported that in the area he was asked to research there are 308 homes, businesses and schools. He stated that it is rather hard to guage potential population growth, but added that in Mobile County public sewerage construction has spurred great growth. Luker discussed several types of sewerage systems and advised that the small diameter pressure sewerage with inceptor tanks and pumps was the least expensive and would have the least maintenance. However, for trailer parks and RV camps, he recommended the gravity collection to one spot and pumping out of the collection spot. Luker estimated the cost for this kind of system from McIntosh Elementary School to the Mobile County Line (down Highway 43) and one mile down each main road off 43 at $4 million. This includes the replacement of septic tanks. The monthly cost would be $11 for the first 2,000 gallons plus $2.75 per thousand thereafter. Mike Barnett who was moderator for the meeting asked about the added cost of five miles of Bates Lake Road. Luker replied that that would cost $30,000 per mile. Luker said that there is no soil survey for Washington County. It is common knowledge that the soil doesn't perk in the southern part of the county. Luker stated that it may be necessary to bring in some materials to make it work. He added that should any sub-divisions develop from the Thyssenkrupp influx, the developer of a sub-division would help offset costs. Discussion ensued about the monthly cost of sewer bills. Janey Galbraith of Galbriath of Associates, who writes grants for Washington County estimated a monthly sewer bill of perhaps $35. Financing Luker said that the combination of grants and loans is the way to go. Galbraith said that USDA is a good source for government dollars. She added that the proposed system has "low income pockets." "Paul Bayou is a low income pocket," she said. Those are eligible for grants." And suggested, "I think we can get the money we need from more than one source. Rural Development is the first one to talk to." Barnett asked if grants would be limited to Washington County. Galbraith stated that CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) money cannot go into Mobile County. Luker suggested that this group get out the "word" about the proposed system. "People will begin contacting you and developers can then engage in the cost." The state has said that they will build a fire department near Thyssenkrupp in Washington County. Galbraith suggested that parts of the sewerage can be potentially added to that. She likened the system to a puzzle and said, "We know what the finished picture looks like. It's just a matter of fitting in the pieces- getting funding for the parts." Singleton stated that if something can be worked out about getting Ciba to treat the system's sewerage, that would take one million dollars off the top. He added that perhaps the McIntosh System could build a holding tank for when the plants are running at full capacity. James Taylor of Taylor Services said that Thyssenkrupp had been permitted for sewerage, and asked if a grant limited how far south the system could go. "Has anybody approached Thyssenkrupp?" he asked. Judge Singleton said that Thyssenkrupp "is not at all interested in taking anything from outside." Ownership and management The discussion turned to who would own and operate the system. Galbraith suggested that it might be called the Washington County Waste Authority, but it should not be owned only by the county commission; instead the town of McIntosh and the commission should be joint owners. "The key to the whole thing is billing," she said. "It is one thing to bill, another to collect." And she added that South Alabama Utilities and the McIntosh Water Board "must be players." Galbraith said that as far as application for grants: the town of McIntosh would apply for the people within the city limits and the county for the residents of the county. Permitting and ordinances Galbraith reminded the group that they will have to work with ADEM to get permitted, but if they go with CIBA (using CIBA's treatment facility), there will be no permitting need. She cautioned that one thing that is often encountered when converting existing residences into a new system is the expense of reconfiguring plumbing underneath each home. She stressed that the utility must have permanent utility easement, a recorded easement so "you can go onto property and do maintenance." Galbraith also emphasized that the sewerage system must have a Sewer Use Ordinance. "If a sanitary system goes by your house, you have to join in. The commission and the atown of McIntosh would both have to have sewer ordinances. You have to know that people are going to tie on." She indicated that this is where political risks come into play. Mayor Carroll Daugherty said that he would have no problem passing a city sewer ordinance. Galbraith stressed that it is important that the water systems be part of the sewerage system. Then if a person doesn't pay their sewerage bill, their water is cut off. A member of the press asked what the hook-up fee will be. Galbraith said that they are trying to arrange it where there will be no hook-up fee, but there is at present no guarantee of that.
Several from the group plan to meet with Ciba officials in the next few days to discuss using their treatment plant. The next meeting for this group was set for Nov. 15 at 2 p.m.
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