Regional Planning Agency staff released their recommendations earlier today regarding the WWTA’s application for a special permit to allow them to move forward with a wastewater treatment plant at 7800 Mahan Gap Road.
RPA staff asked for a 30-day deferral on the project. The agency noted that the WWTA has provided answers to all of their questions; however, the RPA wants to understand the unique proposal. The RPA provided additional follow-up questions.
The WWTA expressed appreciation for the thorough attention.
The WWTA noted their willingness to provide an additional 30 days to the deferral period to allow more time for consideration of the proposed project if desired by the RPA. During this time, the WWTA will meet with individual homeowners near the proposed site to answer their individual concerns and provide answers to their questions, it was stated.
Because of this, the public meeting scheduled for this Thursday evening has been cancelled.
WWTA officials said, "The WWTA also intends to continue meeting with leaders from across Hamilton County to make them aware of their plans and address any concerns they may have. Like so many other places across the country, Hamilton County and the towns that are now part of the WWTA have for many years addressed sewer problems with short term repairs only as they became critical.
"This was done to keep rates low for customers and has not provided a strong foundation for the future of the sewer infrastructure, which has led to chronic problems, including equipment failure and overflows. For the past several years, however, WWTA’s leadership has proactively and strategically made repairs and instituted a capacity assurance and maintenance program designed to address not only current issues but also enable affordable growth and economic development that will benefit future generations."
WWTA Executive Director Mark Harrison said, “We know the decisions being considered are difficult; however, we also know that we must make wise investments for our future. We are going to take some additional time to make sure all of Hamilton County knows about our challenges and the work to be done as we prepare for the future. Economic development and the safety of our environment can go hand-in-hand.”