Utility bill higher than usual?
If you’ve noticed a higher total on your utility bill this month, it’s because of a sewer-rate increase that just went into effect. The amount raised by this increase is paying for a $4.3 million sewer project scheduled for this year. (In case you didn’t know, your sewer usage is charged based on your water usage.)
The purpose of this project, known as the Phase II Sewer Project, is to reduce sewage discharges into the river during heavy rain events. These discharges happen because Elkins stormwater and sewage have traditionally been carried in the same system of pipes, which can overflow during heavy rains. The Phase II Sewer Project will install several new dedicated stormwater lines to reduce the occurrence of such overflows. This project is proceeding under a federal consent decree between Elkins and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
There is no other source for this money. Under state law, sewer and other utilities must be run as standalone businesses. Their only source of funding comes from the rates paid by their customers. In other words, sewer projects like this one can only be paid for by raising sewer rates (and especially not with sales tax proceeds).
Notice: Public Meeting on Sewer Overflows
In 2011, the City of Elkins negotiated a Long-Term Control Plan (LTCP) for Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs), which identified two sewer separation projects. With the completion of the two phases of improvements, the City is required to update Agencies on the progress […]
Read More8/31: Parking Restrictions on Lavalette
On Wednesday (8/31), Bear Contracting will begin patch paving on Lavalette Ave. Work will begin at 7:00 a.m. and is scheduled for completion by noon, weather dependent. There will be no parking on Lavelette between 14th Street and 15th Street during this […]
Read More8/22-8/24: No Parking on Lavallette
Monday-Wednesday (8/22-8/24), Bear Contracting will be excavating Lavallette Avenue between 14th and 15th. There will be no parking on this block while this work is ongoing. The purpose of this work is to perform sewer installation and storm-drain repair under warranty from […]
Read MoreStorm Water Update From Chief Operator
Whitney Hymes, the chief operator of the Elkins sewer utility, has provided the following update concerning recent extraordinary rain events in Elkins, obstacles for storm water management, and next steps that are being planned to continue making improvements: The past few months […]
Read MoreSeparation Project Reduced Storm Water in Sewer Lines
This time last year, South Elkins was the scene of near-constant excavation work as a city contractor installed new underground pipes to carry storm water to the river. As is still the case in much of Elkins, South Elkins had no storm-water […]
Read More10/26: Updated Street Paving Closures for Rest of Week
Today’s rainy weather has resulted in changes to plans for Bear Contracting’s final paving and milling work, as part of the sewer/stormwater separation project. As this work proceeds, there will be no parking 7 a.m.-7 p.m. on the day/streets listed below: Wednesday-Thursday […]
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