FISH MAY FORCE CHANGE IN SEWAGE TREATMENT

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, February 24, 1993                   TAG: 9302240372
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium
FISH MAY FORCE CHANGE IN SEWAGE TREATMENT
The Roanoke logperch, a small darter on the list of endangered species, has surfaced again.
And this time, the small fish could cost Roanoke more than $1 million for changes in its sewage treatment plant.
The state has proposed that a section of the Roanoke River be designated as endangered-species waters to protect the logperch.
Because of the water quality standards that would be needed, the city apparently would have to switch from a chlorine process to ultraviolet light to disinfect effluent discharged into the river.
"It would cost more than $1 million in equipment if we have to switch," said Steve Walker, manager of the treatment plant.
The city might seek a waiver to the new standards if they are approved, Walker said.
City officials also are worried that the classification might hamper the Roanoke River flood-reduction project. But they said Tuesday they don't know what, if any, impact the standards would have.
During studies on the Roanoke logperch several years ago, the Army Corps of Engineers and city officials said they didn't think the fish would have any major impact.
The corps and city developed a plan that would restrict construction during the spawning season for the logperch.
Kit Kiser, director of utilities and operations, said Tuesday that city officials are seeking more information to determine whether the project will be affected.
"It might have an impact on the erosion and sediment control regulations for the project," said John Peters, project engineer.
Kiser said it could also affect the replacement of sewer lines along the river.
The state Department of Game and Inland Fisheries has identified as endangered waters the Roanoke River from its confluence with Tinker Creek, upstream to the confluence of the north and south forks in Montgomery County.
The same designation has been imposed on the waters that stretch from the north and south forks of the river to Cedar Run and Bottom Creek in Montgomery County.
The state also has identified part of Tinker Creek as endangered from its confluence with the Roanoke River upstream to U.S. 11, just downstream at Cloverdale.
The state Water Control Board will decide in June whether the proposed water quality standards will be approved.
A spokesman for the board said Tuesday that the proposed designations are part of a statewide updating of standards for scenic rivers, endangered waters and other special designations.
"This is the same old song-and-dance we get from the state," Mayor David Bowers said. "More mandates without the money to pay for them."
When the logperch was being considered for listing as an endangered species, Roanoke and Roanoke County complained that such a status would increase the cost for the Spring Hollow reservoir and the flood-reduction projects.
The logperch is a darter that reaches a length of 5 1/2 inches.

by Archana Subramaniam by CNB