Members of the Hamilton County Water & Wastewater Treatment Authority (WWTA) Board have approved a sewer rate increase. The board unanimously voted to raise the sewer rate from $4.63 to $6.43 "in order to comply with clean water requirements handed down by EPA and TDEC."
Officials said, "The board reviewed costs to keep the sewer system in compliance with the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation
(TDEC), and Moccasin Bend Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant."
The last sewer rate increase approved by the WWTA Board was in 2007 and was implemented in 2008.
The increase will be effective Jan. 1, 2013.
Officials said, "The cost to the WWTA to develop a sewer billing system, establish a Maintenance,
Operation and Management (MOM) program required by EPA and TDEC, and meet the requirements
of the Satellite Users of the Moccasin Bend Regional Treatment were major factors of the increase to
make the necessary steps to address today’s regulations and requirements.
"Much of the WWTA-inherited wastewater system is in need of rehabilitation in order to meet state
and federal environmental requirements. The goal of the rehab project is to avoid a moratorium for
future development in Hamilton County.
"Many communities are facing similar challenges as the WWTA, including the City of Chattanooga. The board strives to provide the best sewer service to our customers, provide a sewer system that will
spur economic development, and protect the environment from harmful pathogens in our creeks, streams and waterways."
The WWTA is responsible for the public sewer system throughout the unincorporated areas of Hamilton County and the surrounding municipalities of: East Ridge, Lakesite, Lookout Mountain, Red Bank, Ridgeside, Signal Mountain and Soddy Daisy.