JACKSON SEEKS BOND FOR SEWER WORK

JACKSON -- Jackson officials said improvements to the city's sanitary sewer system are not only needed; most are required by the Department of Natural Resources.

Jackson residents will vote Aug. 5 on a bond issue to make those sewer repairs.

If the bond issue passes, it will provide $10.5 million to buy, build, extend and improve the city's combined waterworks and sewage system.

Jim Lunsford, city wastewater plant superintendent, said improvements to the system must be made to avoid costly fines.

Lunsford, said the Environmental Protection Agency regulations are forcing the city to make changes.

"The sewage lines are currently overloaded," he said. "Regulations require that we eliminate sewer-by-passing, septic tanks and lagoons."

Sewer-by-passing causes sewage to backup and run out of manholes during heavy rains.

When sewers overflow, manhole covers may dislodge and allow sewage water into the city's streets. Lunsford said the city has not experienced this problem yet.

Although, he said, without preparation for increased usage, the system may experience this problem soon.

By adding bigger interceptor lines, larger amounts of sewage can flow to the wastewater plant.

Lunsford said new regulations also require the elimination of septic tanks and lagoons.

"Septic tanks do not work well in this area," he said. "The soil has too much clay."

To comply with regulations for streams and watersheds, Lunsford said nitrogen and organic loading into Goose and Hubble creeks must be eliminated, and if the ammonia nitrogen level in the water becomes high, stream life, such as fish could die.

To eliminate the problem, larger diameter waste pipes to the plant must be installed. The extensive project will eliminate 18 lift stations and add new gravity lines.

Lunsford said if the bond issue fails, new housing projects will need to be reviewed.

"We simply can't handle the new growth at this time," he said.

Improvements would be done over a period of six years, with the bonds sold as needed to avoid unnecessary interest charges.

Rate increases would be phased in over a three-year period. In 1998, sewer rates would increase, but water rates wouldn't. In 1999, water rates would increase, and sewer rates would remain the same. In 2000, sewer rates would increase.

Based on water usage, a minimum user of 2,000 gallons at $8.87 a month, would have an increase of $1.68 in 1998, 75 cents in 1999 and 70 cents in 2000.