Walhalla’s murky sewer problem made clearer

The need to curb the inflow and infiltration problems that beset the system of piped sewer in Oconee’s three largest cities and parts of the unincorporated areas was re-emphasized during a discussion last night at the Walhalla City Hall. Speaking to the mayor and two council members, utilities superintendent Scott Parris said that as the Joint Regional Sewer Authority tries to resolve the sewer refund question efforts will start this week to pinpoint the extent of Walhalla’s problems. Parris, who chairs the JRSA board, said he learned yesterday that there are 17 miles of lines beyond the city’s flow meter that are the responsibility of the JRSA. And when hearing that, Mayor Edwards addressed Parris this way: “We are being responsible, and are paying for, for any leaks on 17 miles of lines at present that do not belong to us.” Parris replied, “Yes.” An outside contractor’s crew is due in Walhalla by the end of the week to start the task of videoing the lines to determine the extent of the problems.