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Plans continue for rural sewerage system The interested parties for the McIntosh area sewerage system met Feb. 26 at McIntosh City Hall. Because this system will be a "first" of its kind, the group, led by Probate Judge Charles Singleton, is "plowing new ground." Every other rural sewerage system has been under the umbrella of a municipality. Although the town of McIntosh is a major player in this effort, the system will not be financed or underwritten by the town. This system will be a true first: an entirely rural sewerage system. Interested parties have been meeting since October 2007 and have encountered "bumps" along the road to reality. Early in their discussions, this group hoped that Ciba would allow the system to use its waste treatment plant. But after meeting with Ciba officials, the delegation learned that Ciba did not wish to enter into contract obligation with ADEM. There were early indications that water service could be used as a lever to guarantee payment of sewerage bills. At the Feb. 25 commission meeting the judge announced that further investigation seemed to indicate that this could not be done. However, in an interview on Feb. 29, Judge Singleton said he has asked for and got an attorney's opinion: "Once the governing board for the sewerage system is in place, this board can set its own rules. Then the board enters into a contract (sewerage agreement) with the people. Whatever the stated contract specifies can then be enforced." There has been some concern about the county commission taking on the additional debt of the $23 million system. The judge indicated that it is the board who will enter into the debt and he explained that it will function like local water system boards. Judge Singleton is optimistic about the outlook for the economic growth of Washington County. In reference to the stability and scope of the sewerage system, he said, "Economic development will be the driver of this train." The plans are for the sewerage system to be completed in phases. First comes interested industry who say they want to build on the "Highway 43 economic corridor" (McIntosh to Calvert); but they need sewerage. That is the first dot to be connected, the need for sewerage. Then when that part is done, the sewerage authority board can apply for ADECA grants to bring on private residences. As economic growth occurs, the system grows to connect more residences.
Janey Galbraith, of Galbraith and Associates, grant writer for the Washington County Commission, put it this way: "This thing is like a puzzle and you have to fit the pieces together one piece at a time."
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