Water plant challenge heads to court

The challenge to Pioneer Rural Water’s treatment plant project is headed to a courtroom this morning.  It’ll be a bench trial, meaning the judge will make the decision once the evidence is introduced and all witnesses have testified.  Preliminary to trial will be motions by both sides this morning–aimed at getting what’s called a partial summary judgment in their favor.  Pioneer has taken the position that for its good and that of its customers in Oconee and Anderson counties, the best course is to be able to make its own water and to end its wholesale contracts with Seneca and Westminster.  Those two cities have mounted a challenge and have been joined by a third plaintiff, Oconee County.  Included in the case as an intervener is the Oconee Joint Regional Sewer Authority–a Pioneer retail customer.