Smoke

Smoke

Tests

Reveal

Problems

By SHARON KILPATRICK

Rappahannock News Staff Writer

Smoke testing of the tanks in the Sperryville sewer distribution system uncovered numerous problems that may be adding to the flow during storms.

Although it was not possible to test all the tanks, and testing will continue this month, those that were tested included some with smoke coming out of the pipes in the ground, out of eaves under the roofs, and out of the ground itself.

Water and Sewer Authority member Richard Smith asked at last Thursday’s meeting if the problems found so far could be fixed, and if fixing them would enable the WSA to escape having to install an overflow tank.

Member Charles K. “Pete” Estes said he did not know. Every place smoke came out is a potential way extra water could get in, he said.

Mr. Estes made a motion which the authority unanimously adopted on a roll call vote giving County Attorney Peter Luke authority to collect the account of John Shipman. The WSA had previously passed such a motion, and Mr. Luke found that county real estate taxes were owed in addition to the WSA bill. Mr. Shipman paid the real estate taxes, but the WSA bill remains unpaid.

WSA members spent a great deal of time deciding on an EDU (equivalent to a dwelling unit) formula for Brian Ross’s Mountainside Market building. Mr. Ross had asked to have seven and a half EDUs reserved while the building was under construction. Member Carson Johnson visited the facility once it was completely occupied and decided a strict application of the formula would mean assessing the Rosses for nine EDUs. After considerable discussion the authority settled on eight EDUs.

Mr. Johnson explained that the county’s bill for salaries of WSA staff had not Tet been paid. He said once revenues from the Oct. 1 billing start coming in, the WSA will be able to pay the bill.

WSA members agreed to work with Mr. Luke to develop a new user agreement.