365 sewer line maps displayed

GAINESVILLE - Hall County Commissioners hope Wednesday night's town hall meeting on their Corridor 365 sewer project might change a few minds.

County Commissioner Roger Cole certainly hoped so, even venturing that bids could be let to run the sewer lines before his term ends.

"A gravity flow line is much, much less likely to spill than is a line that is pressurized through pump stations," Cole said. "Mechanical things that man invents are the things that break down."

The public got to view the final sewer line maps and drawings for the first time at the meeting.

Cole said they show the line is a safe distance from the North Oconee River.

Opponents sought to stop the project because they felt it threatened the river and historic Healan's Mill.

UNPERSUADED

Home owner J.C.Smith,who lives near the river, was not persuaded,saying he saw no real changes.

"I have yet to see a perfectly designed sewer system, you still have sewer spills," Smith said.

Smith was a plaintiff in a law suit to stop the gravity flow sewer line and run it west of the North Oconee River and away from historic Healan's Mill using pump stations.

TOM OLIVER: NOT ON MY WATCH

Incoming Hall County Commission Chairman Tom Oliver said the current North Oconee gravity flow sewer line project will not happen during his term.

Oliver called the sewer line maps premature and said he wants Lula's treatment plant to serve the 365 Corridor.

"I'm not saying this project will never happen," Oliver said.

"I just don't think it's going to happen in the next four to six years under my watch."

Oliver said the new Commission's plans include South Hall sewer expansion and county water distribution, possibly more critical than the sewer issue.