Hall County is seeking a state permit to discharge of treated wastewater into Lollis Creek in the Oconee River Basin, instead of using spray fields; officials say that's too labor intensive.
Jack Ofsharica, who lives in Reunion Country Club, wants to know if it is going to be cost intensive.
"What effect will this action have on the $42 a month rate for sewerage," he asked.
That's the flat rate he pays, along with residents in Deaton Creek and Sterling on the Lake and he added its the highest sewer rate in Georgia.
Ofsharica also wanted to know what the county would do with the spray fields once it stopped using them. He also had a question about the pipes that are already installed at the treatment plant, and also wondered why south Hall has so many sewer authorities.
"You have Braselton, you have Gainesville, you have Hall County, you have Flowery Branch and you have Oakwood," he said."It must be a very profitable venture and everybody wants a piece of the pie. The way to solve all this is one sewer system in south Hall incorporating everyone's needs."
Public Works Director Ken Reardon said the $2.7-million project would save money eventually. The County bought the treatment plant from John Wieland, a private developer, in 2008.
According to Reardon, to comply with permit limits and address odor control, new equipment will be constructed, including an odor control system, aeration system upgrades, an ultraviolet disinfection system, a new chemical feed system and new wastewater piping to Lollis Creek.
"These improvements are expected to make the Spout Springs Water Reclamation Facility more cost-effective in the long run, and we'll be treating the water to a higher standard," Reardon said, adding it would be a benefit for the taxpayers and the environment.
The total estimated $2,750,000 improvement would be paid through sewer funding budgeted in SPLOST VI, the 1-percent sales tax only for special projects approved by the voters.
The county has completed an Environmental Information Document and Anti-Degradation Review, which complies with Georgia's Water Quality Control Rules and Georgia EPD regulations.
Thursday's hearing was held in the Bill Williams Conference Room on the third floor of the Joint Administration Building in downtown Gainesville. The room was crowded with homeowners served by the county's sewer plant. Reardon set up displays of the plant and the proposed improvements, including the pipe that would connect the plant with Lollis Creek.
Public Works Director Ken Reardon said the $2.7-million project would save money eventually
Hall County is seeking a state permit to discharge of treated wastewater into Lollis Creek in the Oconee River Basin
Jack Ofsharica, who lives in Reunion Country Club, wants to know if it is going to be cost intensive
The room was crowded with homeowners served by the county
http://accesswdun.com/article/2011/11/243652