HANOVERTON Deadline looms for village sewage plan

A public hearing will be conducted this month.
By SUE DROTLEFF
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
HANOVERTON -- Village council learned Monday that the patience of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency has worn thin and plans for sewage abatement must be submitted by month's end.
The OEPA had issued administrative orders Jan. 14, 2002, asking the village for a plan to prevent pollution of the creeks, which they said resulted from failing or malfunctioning septic systems. Initially, the order carried a March 26, 2003, deadline.
According to Mayor Dan Kibler, the village had twice been granted an extension of the deadline so officials could devise a plan that was economically feasible for residents. In July, a third extension until Oct. 31 was sought, but the letter from John Dwolek of the OEPA indicated a plan must be submitted by Sept. 30.
Kibler said the village would conduct a public hearing before the deadline so residents can learn about the options being proposed to the OEPA. Kibler noted that officials have used the additional time to try to reduce overall costs, but they found few ways to do so.
Estimated costs
Currently, monthly user fees are expected to be $70 to $80 per month, which village officials think is too high. In fact, the federal government will not provide grants for any sewer project in which the monthly user fees exceed $40 to $50, Kibler said he was told.
Kibler pointed out the village has been told to submit a plan by the deadline, and that's what it is doing. It is up to the OEPA to decide whether the plan is economically feasible, Kibler said, noting he is aware of several smaller communities in the state currently in litigation with the OEPA over that issue.
Kibler said the date for the public hearing is yet to be determined, and depends on the availability of OEPA and county officials. He noted the meeting would be held at the Ruritan-Legion Hall building on Second Street in Hanoverton.