Public hearing Thurs. on $2.7 in improvements to S, Hall wastewater treatment plant

GAINESVILLE - A hearing is planned later this week concerning future improvements to the Spout Springs wastewater treatment plan near Flowery Branch. The meeting will conclude a 30-day comment period on the project.

Hall County is applying for a state permit to allow for discharge of treated wastewater into Lollis Creek in the Oconee River Basin. This will allow the county to stop discharging water via sprayfields, which has become labor intensive for the plant staff, according to county officials. To comply with permit limits and address odor control, new equipment will be constructed, including an odor control system, aeration system upgrades, an ultraviolet disinfection system, a new chemical feed system and new wastewater piping to Lollis Creek.

 These improvements are expected to make the Spout Springs Water Reclamation Facility more cost-effective in the long run, and we ll be treating the water to a higher standard, said Ken Rearden, Public Works and Utilities Director.  This is a benefit for the taxpayers and the environment.

Total cost of the improvements is estimated to be $2,750,000 paid through sewer funding budgeted in SPLOST VI, the 1-percent sales tax only for special projects approved by the voters. The county has completed an Environmental Information Document and Anti-Degradation Review, which complies with Georgia s Water Quality Control Rules and Georgia EPD regulations.

The hearing will be held Thursday from 5:00-6:00 in the Bill Williams Conference Room on the third floor of the Joint Administration Building in downtown Gainesville.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2011/11/243528