Full Answer
What is the goal of the Tygart Valley River project?
The goal of the Phase II project is to reduce the amount of raw sewage that overflows to the Tygart Valley River during heavy rainfall. Under a 2011 consent decree with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a court ordered the city to take steps to reduce sewage overflow events.
What happens when too much stormwater enters a combined system?
When too much stormwater enters a combined system, it results in what are known as “overflow events.” During these events, water from the wastewater system spills into the Tygart Valley River through “combined sewer outfalls,” or hatchways in various locations along the river’s bank. These hatchways are normally closed, but—when there is enough water pressure built up behind them—they open and discharge to the river.
Does Elkins Council approve sewer rate increases?
Although the Elkins council must approve sewer rate increases, council has no authority over the Sanitary Board, which is an entirely independent body. Because the board has only one area of responsibility, its members are able to concentrate on and build expertise concerning this complex and highly regulated subject.
Is phase 2 sewer project good?
The Phase II Sewer Project. Installing new, dedicated stormwater lines isn’t just a good idea. It’s also something that Elkins is required to do under a 2011 consent decree with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In that decree, a court ordered the City of Elkins to complete a two-phase project to reduce the occurrence ...
Is Elkins water still combined?
The bad news is that, in most of Elkins, our stormwater and sewer systems are still combined. This can be a problem when it rains too hard. During heavy downpours, stormwater enters the system faster than the treatment plant can make room for it by releasing treated water.
Does Elkins have a wastewater treatment plant?
Everything in those pipes was headed straight to the river. The good news is that Elkins now has a wastewater treatment plant. The bad news is that, in most of Elkins, our stormwater and sewer systems are still combined.
Can sewer projects be funded by raising sewer rates?
Their only allowed source of funding is the rates paid by their customers. In other words, sewer projects like this one can only be paid for by raising sewer rates. It would be illegal to use money from the Water Fund or the General Fund (e.g., sales tax proceeds).
Why does Milton need a new wastewater treatment plant?
The city's current plant is expected to reach capacity by the end of 2023. When that happens, there won't be enough treatment capacity for new homes, businesses and other developments to hook up to water treatment, stifling growth.
Where is the new plant going to be built?
The site of the new wastewater treatment plant is a stone's throw from the Blackwater River, right next to the Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office and the county jail.
Are there objections to it being built there?
Yes. Even though the city finalized the site for the new plant in 2009, in early 2021, a group of citizens began raising concerns about the site's proximity to the Blackwater River.
How much will the new facility cost and where is the money coming from?
The new facility is expected to cost about $31 million. Here's a breakdown of where the money is coming from:
What is a RIBs system?
A Rapid Infiltration Basin system, more commonly known by its acronym RIBs, is essentially when clean, drinkable treated effluent from a wastewater treatment facility is sprayed into a basin, and it either seeps into the ground or evaporates into the air.
When will an option be decided?
Since the clock is ticking on the current plant's capacity limits and on the EPA's guidelines for ceasing the dumping of effluent into the Blackwater River, the city of Milton wants to get the project going as soon as possible.
When will construction on the new facility begin?
Construction will begin as soon as the city is confident it has a place to dispose of its treated effluent.