A $20 million plan to bring public septic systems to many in the county — a project that suffered delays because of popularity and cost — is being reconsidered by the Athens County Commissioners.
Jen Frommer of HDR engineering, who says she has spent 17 years on the project, admits the project might take more than four years before residents start realizing the benefits of the project — and even if it is that recent, there will be much debate before further details are established.
“There are going to be a ton — a truckload — of ‘what-ifs,’ ” Frommer said. “Resident support was not, and may not be there.”
Currently, commissioners, as well as Frommer, are discussing price, applying for grants and negotiating details with the city of Athens, which stands to make $4 million dollars from the county’s use of its water treatment plant.
Because the city and the county both stand to benefit from the deal, negotiations have been smooth thus far, Frommer said.
“I’m thrilled at the way the negotiations are going,” Frommer said. “Everybody brings their best self; the city is approaching (the project) as if it was their own residents.”
If executed as planned, the county could be paying for the project for 20-30 years.
In order for the project to be considered affordable it must cost no more than 3 percent of the median household income for an area.
Because water is included in the 3 percent affordability rule, the most commissioners want to charge is $48 per household per month, said Athens Commissioner Chris Chmiel.
“We’re at the feasibility-study stage, but until we figure out if this will be affordable to Athens County residents we aren’t ready to move forward yet,” Chmiel said.
Those who are in the county and in the zone of the proposed septic program would have to use the new service, something that could be a financial burden to those who have recently invested in new or upgraded septic equipment, Chmiel said.
The project was the result of a 1997 Environmental Protection Agency study, which found evidence of pollution in the water supply between Athens and Albany.
Despite the study, the EPA has not mandated the completion of the project, something Commissioner Lenny Eliason said might change if the project is not pursued.
“I think the EPA has not sent a mandate because they see (we) are moving forward. I think if (we) stop, they might be sending a mandate,” Eliason said.
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