Notice: Public Meeting on Sewer Overflows

January 6th, 2023 | 11:33 am
Posted in Announcements, Sewer Department, Sewer/Stormwater Project

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 of the program and to update the LTCP, which includes receiving input from the public.

As such, a Public Meeting will be held at 10:00 a.m. on January 23, 2023 to discuss continued conformance with USEPA requirements and finalizing an Implementation Schedule for future improvements in the wastewater collection system.

This meeting will be held in the council chamber at Elkins City Hall.

9/1: S. Davis Closure

August 31st, 2022 | 4:37 pm
Posted in Announcements, Sewer Department

Starting at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday (9/1), South Davis Avenue will be closed between Ward Avenue and Blaine Avenue. The Wastewater Collection Department is performing an emergency sewer-tap repair. Please choose an alternate route.

8/31: Parking Restrictions on Lavalette

August 30th, 2022 | 1:18 pm
Posted in Announcements, Sanitary Board, Sewer Department, Sewer/Stormwater Project

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 time.

8/22-8/24: No Parking on Lavallette

August 19th, 2022 | 4:17 pm
Posted in Announcements, Sanitary Board, Sewer Department, Sewer/Stormwater Project

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 last year’s sewer/stormwater separation project.

This schedule is weather dependent.

Storm Water Update From Chief Operator

August 12th, 2022 | 1:53 pm
Posted in Sanitary Board, Sewer Department, Sewer/Stormwater Project, wastewater treatment plant

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 have exhibited extremely extraordinary rain events for the Elkins area. These unprecedented influxes of precipitation are causing system overloads.

Usually, overload issues are relieved by permitted discharges located throughout the City. These permitted overflows are designed to help reduce any potential flooding or surcharges involved with the Sanitary Sewer system. These abnormal rain events experienced are surging the system and are maxing design capacities.

The City of Elkins has been working diligently to improve system flaws throughout past years. These developments are very exhaustive and expensive and must be completed in “Phases” to provide a cost-effective solution to not only the City but also to the residents that will ultimately be responsible. The City began these “Phase Projects” with the initial “Phase I Project”, which began in 2015. The “Phase II Project” was just completed in 2021 and is still undergoing finalization.

Comparing dates, the duration of a Phase Project can take anywhere from 3-5 years. The length of time is due to the thorough work it takes for design, execution, and completion. At this time, there have not been any designated areas chosen for the upcoming Phase III project.

City personnel and collaborating partners are in the beginning stages of identifying areas impacted the most to provide the most success for the system and the best cost-effective strategy for residents. State and federal guidelines also play a large factor as to what can and cannot be implemented in the system. Since it is not feasible to have one project covering the entire City, the Phase III Project will not be the last progress seen. Numerous Phase Projects throughout future years will provide a cost-effective option for City residents.

A short-term solution that may help alleviate flooding issues would be to remove downspouts/roof drains from the Sanitary Sewer. Removal of excess storm water from the Sanitary Sewer will aid in the control of overload issues. Please note, if downspout/roof drain removal is completed consideration should be followed for any neighboring properties or locations.

In conclusion, the City of Elkins is aggressively working toward improving the current system. These improvements will take time due to regulatory standards, concentrated studies, and guaranteeing that studies confirm areas that will provide the most impact and cost effectiveness not only for the City but also for the residents we serve.

Elkins Resuming Utilities Shutoffs August 5

July 29th, 2020 | 2:21 pm
Posted in Announcements, Sewer Department, Treasurer's Office, Utility Billing, Water Department

Last modified on August 13th, 2020 at 12:02 pm

Shutoffs Had Been Suspended Since March

Elkins, W. Va., July 29, 2020: City of Elkins water and sewer utilities will recommence shutting off service for unpaid bills starting Wednesday, August 5, officials announced today. The city suspended shutoffs in March on the recommendation of the West Virginia Public Service Commission (PSC). (more…)