Durham extols idea of a sewer facility partnership

Matthew Durham, the suspended Oconee County councilman, is touting the value of partnership with neighboring Anderson County to undertake a joint sewer treatment facility that would serve both sides of the I-85 corridor.  For long time, some Oconee leaders have ventured the thought that Oconee County growth can justify a second treatment plant—in addition to the Coneross Wastewater Plant at Seneca.  And Durham of District 2 believes a partnership, including cost-sharing, with Anderson has possibilities.  In his latest newsletter, Durham says, “A major reason for an additional waste treatment facility is the county is that the Coneross Waste Treatment Plant is currently at its regulatory limit for heavy metal ions.  So, if a new industry is interested in coming to Oconee County and their effluent has heavy metals in it, then they need not apply.”  Durham’s newsletter includes cost numbers:  $50 million dollars; Anderson County would pay $29 million; Oconee, $21 million.  After meeting with Jon Caime, Anderson County’s project manager, Durham says, a memorandum of understanding would have to be signed before September 12.  The issue, Durham says, is on tomorrow night’s Oconee County Council agenda.