Sewer Authority lowers estimate of user costs

Sewer Authority lowers estimate of user costs By STELLA RICHARDS Rappahannock News SUIT Writer The Rappahannock County Water and Sewer Authority (WSA) had some good news for Sperryville residents at their regular meeting December 5. The Authority now estimates that the cost to users may be as much as 20 percent less than originally estimated by BuchartHom Engineering. Buchart-Hom is the Williamsburg firm contracted by WSA to provide management and on-site supervision for construction of the Sperryville sewage system. The new estimates are based on a revised schedule for apportioning units of use to Sperryv ille residents — known as Estimated Dwelling Units (EDUs). Under the original plan, the engineers thought it would be more efficient if some sewage tanks were shared. However, it appears that the people who would have been sharing tanks with neighbors can now have their own tanks at a lower cost than originally estimated for shared tanks. This turnabout is the result of a revised EDU schedule that will more closely reflect actual use of the tanks. The rate charged per EDU will still be the same, regardless of whether the user is commercial or residential. The change comes because of a new proposal to alter the number of EDUs assigned to participants in the sewage system. Buchart-Hom has also estimated that the total cost for sewer lines, cables, tanks and hook-ups will be closer to $917,000 than the $936,000 originally estimated. Under the new proposal, EDUs assigned to users would more closely reflect actual use. Service stations, for example, with two bays or less, would be assigned three EDUs instead of two as proposed under the original plan. A laundromat could he assigned 1 EDU per washer instead of one-half EDU. “We have heen saying we can deliver sewage in the range of $12 to $15 per month," said WSA chairman Bob Dennis. “It still looks possible.” WSA member Martin Woodard, who has been active in revising the new EDU schedule, said, “I think it is real good news we can more closely parallel th<- needs of residents for less mom' ' Buckley-Lages. tie contractor for installing the tanks and collection lines, is expected to order tanks for the system very soon. Approximately 140 tanks will be ordered, including four commercial tanks. Work crews' for both BuekleyLages and Perry Engineering, responsible for construction of the Sperryville treatment plant, have been putting in much overtime during the past few weeks. Weather-related delays during November put both crews behind schedule, but they are trying to meet their midDecember deadlines. WSA expects to hold a special meeting during the next couple of weeks to complete work on the proposed EDU schedule and on the Sperryville sewage ordinance. Following this meeting, WSA will hold a joint meeting with the Board of Supervisors, probably in January, when the public will be invited to share its views on the ordinance and all related matters.

The ordinance and user plan

must be in place before the system starts operating sometime next spring. (Continued on Page 18)