THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, February 3, 1995 TAG: 9502030555
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B2 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY PAUL SOUTH, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: MANTEO LENGTH: Medium: 54 lines
The town's water system should last 30 to 40 years longer with proper maintenance, according to a report by the town's consulting engineer.
Last month, Manteo conducted a system-wide flushing program and completed an evaluation of the water delivery facilities. Engineer Leo Green said Wednesday night that chlorine levels comply with state standards of at least 2 milligrams per liter.
Green also presented a number of recommendations to the town's board of commissioners.
Chlorine levels should be checked daily to ensure that the water quality meets or exceeds state requirements. Green said the town should ask Dare County - its source of water - for an increase in the chlorine level, and to consult with the county on a long-term solution to keep the cancer-causing agent trihalomethane out of the system.
In progress now are repairs or replacement of all inoperable valves, as well as the replacement of water lines of less than 4 inches in diameter.
``I'm satisfied with the results of what we have done,'' Green said. ``Manteo is no different from any other town. If we maintain the system, it should last another 30 to 40 years.''
The commission also said it would consider buying an alternative sludge disposal system that its manufacturer says will reduce the cost of sludge disposal. Commissioners were scheduled to watch the system in operation today.
Also Thursday, commissioners heard from Kitty Hawk resident Ron Bennett, who urged the town to join in a push to allow the Manteo High School Media Club 309 minutes of air time on cable Channel 20, the government access station.
In almost two years of operation, Bennett said, Dare County's government access channel has offered no programming - while in nearby Currituck, high school sports, government meetings and other events are carried on the access channel.
``I agree with everything he said,'' Commissioner Melvin Jackson said. ``This channel should be used.''
In other business, the commission:
Postponed a public hearing on a change in the town's Land Use Plan. Now, Roanoke Island residents who live in areas near the town limits can receive services only if they are annexed into the town. The text change would mean that only an annexation petition is required to receive services. The hearing is set for April 5.
Awarded plaques to three Manteo residents - Daniel Selby, Belva Weeks, and Ann Tugwell - who were recently honored by Gov. Jim Hunt for outstanding volunteer service. by CNB