Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, August 27, 1993 TAG: 9308270342
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Valley officials said Thursday the localities will share the cost, and construction could begin within two years.
"This is a major and positive step forward for the region," said John Stroud, president of the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce.
The chamber had urged the governments to act quickly on the project. Unless the plant is enlarged, the business leaders said, economic growth could be halted. "Water and sewer are basic to economic growth. Without them, you can't have development," Stroud said.
Roanoke Vice Mayor Beverly Fitzpatrick had warned that the state could impose a ban on new sewage connections if the valley governments didn't expand the plant.
"This is good news for the valley because it gives the green light to growth," said Anne Piedmont, research director of the Roanoke Valley Economic Development Partnership.
The city owns the plant and treats sewage from four other localities - Salem, Vinton, Roanoke County and Botetourt County - on a contract basis.
Roanoke County Administrator Elmer Hodge said the plant expansion and new transmission lines should help spur more business and residential development in the county, especially west of Salem.
Kit Kiser, Roanoke's utilities and operations director, said the agreement will also help protect the Roanoke River's water quality. An expanded plant will ensure that the sewage is adequately treated before being discharged into the river, he said.
The treatment plant, built in 1950 and most recently upgraded in 1975, has operated at 95 percent of its capacity during three consecutive months in the past year.
State regulations require localities to prepare plans for expanding plants when they reach 95 percent of capacity.
Under the terms of a consent order, which allows the plant to remain in operation despite being overloaded, the valley localities are required to either expand the plant or reduce infiltration into the lines.
Heavy rainfall overloads the plant at times. During rains, millions of gallons of storm and ground water pour into the sanitary sewer system.
Each locality will determine individually the best method to pay for its share. Most, if not all, are expected to issue bonds.
Sewer fees are likely to increase to repay the bonds, but officials said it was too early to estimate the amount.
It will take engineers about one year to design the project. Construction could begin by early 1995.
by CNB