Agenda - 08-17-2010-13 (1) - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

Customer Information Packet An information packet for potential new customers to the Efland and City of Mebane (North Buckhorn) sewer systems has been developed and was presented to the BOCC on June 15, 2010. This packet has both general and specific information on the sewer expansion project, the process of connecting to the sewer system and the costs involved with connecting to the sewer system. These will be distributed at community meetings that will likely take place in late August. Railroad Right-of-Way Licenses The process of obtaining licenses to install a portion of the sewer line in the railroad right-of--way is underway. Our license application for occupancy in the Northern Buckhorn section of the project has been accepted, pending payment of the required fees and provision of insurance information. Since the City of Mebane is the eventual owner of the North Buckhorn sewer lines, their insurance information is needed for the occupancy license there. City officials have been contacted and are gathering the insurance documents. Review of our application for occupancy in the Efland portion of the project is currently underway. The process has taken longer because the length of pipe in the railroad's right-of--way required review by both the North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR) and Norfolk-Southern, whereas the North Buckhorn application needed to be reviewed only by NCRR. We have also asked if the advent of high-speed rail through the area will impact placement of our sewer infrastructure. According to the engineer who reviews plans for the railroad, they are factoring that into their review process and will advise us if they see any potential future conflicts. Efland Rate and Fee Investi ag tion With the system poised for expansion, it is important to establish rates, fees and policies now that will best serve the system and its customers going forward. County staff are still investigating various alternative fee structures and/or rate structures for the Efland Sewer System. Representatives from Justice United, who represent the interests of the existing Efland Sewer Customers, have asked to be included in these discussions. There have already been several meetings between this group and staff to discuss the rates and alternatives available to the County. Recommendations for changes to the rates, fees or policies of the Efland Sewer System will be brought to the BOCC for consideration in September. Next Steps Moving forward, once our permitting application has been reviewed by the State, the packet will be sent to the EPA for a second review. Concurrent with these reviews, County staff will be continuing to work on acquiring easements and railroad occupancy licenses. Also during the plan review phase, the Construction Grants and Loans division can begin processing our application for State Revolving Loan Funds, which will be used to finance the construction portion of the sewer expansion. Central Efland and Northern Buckhom Sewer Expansion Project Update 072910