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Last Updated: 01/20/2005
The Rockbridge Report is produced
under the supervision of the Dept. of Journalism and Mass Communications
at Washington and Lee University. |
High costs delay new sewage
systems By Michael Patterson Residents of Fairfield and Raphine might have to wait longer than expected to replace their outdated sewage systems. The Rockbridge County Public Service Authority (RCPSA) is planning to build a series of sewer lines and water treatment plants connecting Raphine and Fairfield to the county’s sewage system. But recent increases in the cost of oil are threatening to make the project too costly. “Oil prices are raising the cost of plastic, which is substantially raising the cost of this project,” said Harvey Hotinger, member of the Rockbridge County board of supervisors. Supervisor Maynard Reynolds agrees with Hotinger. It has to bring in enough new tax revenue, he said. “Unless it is self sufficient, this thing won’t fly.” The county is juggling several projects right now, including plans for a new courthouse and renovations on three area elementary schools. Reynolds estimates the price of these projects is around $30 million. The board of supervisors is counting on the revenue-generating possibilities of the new sewer line. Rockbridge County owns a 100-acre parcel of land in Raphine that is designated as having “industrial park potential.” So far, businesses have shown little interest in the land because it lacks adequate sewage systems. Supervisor Carroll Comstock thinks the new sewer line will make the land more marketable. “A sewer system is all that’s missing,” he said. “This project could end up paying for itself in the long run.” RCPSA plans to connect Raphine and Fairfield to the Maury Service Authority sewage treatment plant in Lexington. To do so, RCPSA has to install miles of new sewer line and several new pump stations along the Route 11 corridor north of Lexington. Because of the expected increases in sewage flow from new customers in Raphine and Fairfield, RCPSA will also have to replace existing sewer lines along Route 11 from Aunt Sarah’s Pancake House to the sewage treatment plant in Lexington. The initial cost of the sewer line was estimated at $8.5 million. Since that forecast was made in 2003, oil prices have risen more than $15 per barrel. “The project will probably end up costing around $9 million, maybe even higher,” said Karen Austin, director of the RCPSA. The RCPSA is responsible for funding the new sewage system, which will force the organization into major debt for the first time since its creation in 1966. The board of supervisors has tentatively agreed to provide a “safety net” for the RCPSA, by covering its debt during the duration of the project, if the price tag is not too large. Austin wants to start building the line as soon as possible. “We are looking at about 18 to 24 months of construction time," she said. "We want to have it finished by the end of 2006." The RCPSA is currently searching for contractors and construction companies to take on the project. Neither Fairfield nor Raphine has a municipal wastewater collection or treatment system. In Fairfield, residents rely on individually owned septic tanks and drainage fields to dispose of their waste. According to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), many of these private systems are outdated, and several have created “cesspools” of wastewater. Fairfield resident George Moran built his house in 1969. He installed his own septic tank and drainage field the same year. “I’ve been having problems with my tank since around 1990," he said. "I’ve had to dig two new drainage ditches and replace my distributor.” George’s wife, Doris, said that they still have occasional problems with their toilets and drains. “I’m really looking forward to hooking up to the new sewer line when it comes through here,” she said. Austin said that nearly all of Fairfield’s waste systems are small and unregulated. “Some houses have no wastewater treatment at all,” she said. According to Austin, the problem is that many properties in Fairfield are too small to support an effective private drainage system. Residents who want to install their own modern systems have no room on their lots to hold one. Raphine has documented problems with wastewater treatment as well. Glen Koogler, owner of White’s Truck Stop on Interstate 81, operates Raphine’s only major sewage treatment facility.
Koogler’s system has been unable to meet state environmental standards for the past several years. The VDH and the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) have documented high levels of ammonia in Moore’s Creek, where Koogler’s facilities discharge their wastewater. According to Elizabeth Knapp, a Washington and Lee University geology professor, ammonia causes oxygen depletion problems, which can kill fish and other aquatic organisms in streams. The section of Moore’s Creek directly downstream from White’s Truck Stop is nearly devoid of aquatic life. Both the DEQ and the VDH have written multiple letters to Koogler asking him to follow state environmental regulations, but he has been unable to comply. “A sewage system is not something that a private individual can handle,” said Koogler. “I’ve had my system for 18 years, and it seems like they change the rules on me every year.” Despite his past difficulties, Koogler is looking forward to working with the RCPSA on the new project. “It will be great for this community,” he said.
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