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Official says Town should not consider reservoir
By STEPHANIE A. JAMES/Staff Writer
Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:49 AM EDT
Campbell County water officials last Wednesday dispelled the notion that Appomattox Town Council should consider a reservoir to meet its water needs.
Instead, the Town should pursue a regional project, the officials said.
The statements were made by Campbell County Utility Services Authority Administrator Mike Damron and Campbell County Service Authority Board of Director Bill Moore.
The two men engaged Council in a question-and-answer session as the Town of Appomattox prepares for a yet-be-scheduled meeting with the County's Board of Supervisors.
At issue is whether or not the Town should jointly finance a Concord-to-Appomattox waterline project along U.S. 460.
Damron supported the joint venture for the Town and described building a reservoir as "something you don't want to do" as an alternative.
He said that in 2002, the CCUSA looked at building a reservoir because the Otter River water level was low.
Damron said that there would have been very few circumstances where they would need to use a reservoir.
Damron said that it did not make sense to pay $6 million on a sunken project.
He maintained the regional aspect.
"We like to have multiple ways to get water for natural disaster and any emergency that can happen," said Damron.
The specially called meeting was prompted after the Council voted in February to meet with the Appomattox County Board of Supervisors with the intent to accept the County's proposal to cover 75 percent of the waterline costs if the Town covers the other 25 percent.
Last Wednesday's meeting was designed as a prerequisite before the Council meets with the County to explore the possibility of obtaining a water-purchasing contract with CCUSA.
Damron gave a presentation on the cost and benefits of the pipeline, if the town connected.
The figures were based on the Black & Veatch study, a water study conducted two years ago for the City of Lynchburg to develop the cost of service that includes figures of the rate of return and depreciation cost.
He stressed that the data was not cast in stone.
During his presentation, Damron explained how the cost was derived based on how many gallons of water are used per day.
The cost to Appomattox to purchase wholesale water from CCUSA would be $2.07 per 1,000 gallons.
Damron noted that the larger the customer base, the lower the cost would be.
"If you connect to our system, it will help us as our system grows," said Damron.
Campbell County water officials expressed concern about having enough customers from Concord School to the County.
They want to have enough short-term customers to prevent stagnation of the water.
To keep water fresh and maintain water quality, the water in the pipes needs to be flushed out.
"That water turnover is very important," said Damron.
Damron said that a good reason for connecting to Campbell County is because Campbell County Board of Supervisors (said) that they would agree to sell water to the County of Appomattox (and) presumably the town because it is the neighborly thing to do, said Damron.
He highlighted the importance of localities working as a regional team for water supply needs.
Damron noted that Amherst, Bedford and Campbell County are under a purchase agreement with the City of Lynchburg.
Damron and Moore discussed the regional supply plan (implemented) by the Region 2000.
In addition to the supply plan, they discussed how the James River and the Otter River supply water to the region.
"We can supply all of Campbell's needs and Appomattox's needs for the near future with the Otter River alone," said Moore.
If they don't show that they want to use the water as an area over a reasonable time, then other localities such Richmond or DC may commit, said Moore.
Damron said that they are proud of their water operation and he mentioned an award given to their chief water operator.
"If you would get water, you would be getting water from the state's operator of the year," said Damron.
A benefit of the town connecting to the waterline is that it would eliminate the town's copper discharge problems that has caused the town to not be in compliance the state Department of Environmental Quality.
Along with the waterline, the town had looked at looking at other sources of water including a reservoir, which according to the last study totaled an estimated $15 million.
Council along with Mayor John Wilson asked questions and made comments about Damron's presentation.
"I like Mr. Moore's suggestion about trying to get a prior claim on the water in the James River, if another locality decides they want to commit," said Wilson.
Council member Jennifer Jamerson-Scruggs asked Damron if there been any type of problems with the water supply and treating the water.
"We have not had to use extraordinary treatment methods to treat water," replied Damron.
After Damron's presentation Council went into closed session for over an hour to discuss the County's proposal.
During open session, Council did not express their views, nor did they state when a date would be set to meet with the County.
Damron commended the Council for getting the facts first before making a decision on whether or not to invest in the waterline.
Over the last few months, the town has looked at different scenarios including the possibility of continuing to operate some of the wells along with using the pipeline.
Also, town officials have explored the financial feasibility and potential funding opportunities.
If the town joins the County, Appomattox would be attractive for potential grants because of their joint effort.
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