“cMOM” audit becomes important to Oconee cities

The elected leaders of four Oconee municipalities are likely to understand why a “cMOM” audit is important to them, and why a state regulatory agency wants them conducted.  Seneca, Walhalla, Westminster, and West Union are being prodded by South Carolina DHEC to study the wastewater collection systems of each municipality.  It’s called a “cMOM” and stands for capacity, management, operations and maintenance audit.  DHEC attention is drawn this year to the Oconee Joint Regional Sewer Authority and its member cities because of two heavy rainfalls and the overflows they created in the months of April and February.  Some on the JRSA’s policy-making board believe DHEC is over-reaching considering the rainfalls were an act of God and no fault of their collection systems.  Scott Parris, Walhalla utilities superintendent, addressed the audit this week with his mayor and council.  Westminster is scheduled to have similar discussions next week during that city’s August council meeting.