Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, August 27, 1993 TAG: 9308270291
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
1980s: Economic growth and infiltration of storm water into the sewer system cause the plant to operate at near capacity at times. The need for a larger plant becomes apparent.
1986: Roanoke hires consultants to determine need for plant expansion and new sewer transmission lines.
1987: Consultants recommend a $43 million plan for expanding the plant and replacing overloaded lines.
1988-1991: Roanoke and the other localities have intermittent discussions about the issue but reach no agreement. The main stumbling block is the cost and how it will be shared. Roanoke says other localities should pay a substantial part of the cost because much of the economic growth in the next two decades will occur there.
May 1992: Because the plant is overloaded at times, Roanoke agrees to a consent order by the state Water Control Board to reduce infiltration into the lines and develop timetable for expanding the plant. This enables the city to avoid more drastic penalties and sanctions, such as fines and a ban on new sewer connections.
August 1992: At a meeting of the top elected officials in the valley, four localities - Salem, Vinton, Roanoke County and Botetourt County - agree to hire consultants to represent them in the negotiations with Roanoke.
April 1993: After the consultants finish their study for Salem, Vinton, Roanoke County and Botetourt County, negotiations began. Kit Kiser, director of utilities and operations, represents Roanoke. Stewart Lassiter, manager of the Roanoke office of Finkbeiner, Pettis & Strout, represents Salem, Vinton, Roanoke County and Botetourt County.
Thursday: The localities announce they have reached an agreement in principle to expand the treatment plant and replace the overloaded lines. The agreement by the administrative officials includes a breakdown on the cost for each locality. The estimated cost is $41.5 million, slightly below the original $43 million price tag.
September-November 1993: The agreement will be converted into a formal contract that will be presented to the governing bodies for approval.
December 1993: Engineers will begin work on construction plans. It will take about a year to finish the plans.
1995: Construction is expected to begin. - Staff
by CNB