Major Sewer Issues Facing Oconee County Will Shape Development

Oconee county is facing major decisions on wastewater treatment that will have significant impact on future residential, commercial and industrial growth in the county, a public presentation and discussion Tuesday night at the Civic Center indicated.

The gathering, labeled an Open House On the Water and Wastewater Master Plan Update, was attended by 40 citizens and was hosted by Wayne Haynie, director of the Oconee County Water Resources Department, formerly called the Utility Department.

Haynie began the session with a 30-minute overview of the three questions he wanted citizens to address dealing with the extension of gravity fed sewer lines, reusing wastewater as a drought management strategy, and the proper allocation of wastewater treatment among the different types of users.

Haynie said he wanted the citizens present to go to three tables set up around the room and give feedback on the three questions, but he asked for questions about his presentation first.

That invitation unleashed a long list of concerns centering on use of gravity fed sewer lines down Calls Creek and Barber Creek in particular and more general concerns about development in the county.

For additional information on the Open House meeting, including a video of the session, go to Oconee County Observations.

Pictured: Wayne Haynie