Compounding sewer troubles

For one year, the Oconee Joint Regional Sewer Authority has retained an outside attorney to defend itself against a series of overflows.  The mishaps are considered an alleged violation of state health regulations and the JRSA is under an enforcement order with the state’s regulatory Department of Health and Environmental Control. The JRSA’s policy board learned yesterday that its treatment plant at the south end of Seneca has violated its permit to operate and, in the view of a consultant, is subject to DHEC or EPA enforcement.  The results of an assessment were presented yesterday by Derek Scott of the engineering consultants Black and Veatch company.  Scott displayed an aerial view of the Coneross Wastewater Treatment Plant and highlighted in red several problem areas, repairs for which, according to Scott, “can’t wait.”  The price tag, in Scott’s view, could reach as high as $16 million dollars.  He and the commissioners discussed the advantages of phasing-in the repair work as well as the contractors who could handle the work.  The Black and Veatch official believes low interest loans could be available that would allow for a 30-year payback period.  Chris Eleazer, JRSA executive director, commenting on the presentation, said, “It is what it is.”  Eleazer said the assessment is something that has been needed and that Black and Veatch conducted the evaluation at no charge.