Generally speaking, people don’t like surprises. And, in general, the bigger the surprise, the less they like it.
That seems to be the driving force at the heart of Edgewood’s burgeoning wastewater treatment plant controversy. Local residents showed up in force Tuesday night at the town council meeting to protest tentative plans to construct the treatment plant northwest of Edgewood in Madison County.
When they claimed that town officials were trying to pull a fast one on them, council members responded by pointing out that the possibility of treatment plant construction had been discussed previously in two council meetings and that notice had been published in The Herald Bulletin.
The response seemed genuine, and it’s likely that town officials weren’t really trying to pull a fast one. It’s also likely that they weren’t going out of their way to publicize the treatment plant option, knowing that it would stir up opposition.
This is a classic case of public officials adhering to the letter of the law, but not going far enough beyond it to seek public input and perhaps a measure of public support.
When a lot of money is at stake, and a significant project would be built near homes or business properties, the need to publicize such plans — even at an early stage — is multiplied. Construction of the wastewater treatment plant would cost $3.9 million, and one estimate has the total cost of the project at $7.5 million. The bill would ultimately be paid by Edgewood residents.
Edgewood is grappling with an important issue. The town’s wastewater is currently treated by the City of Anderson. The cost of that treatment is rising by 600 percent — to roughly $6 for every 1,000 gallons treated. So the town is seeking cheaper alternatives. Among the options: Contract with the town of Lapel, or build a new wastewater treatment facility to serve Edgewood.
Moving forward, the town council should provide residents with detailed information as it further explores the solution to its problem. The topic is on the agenda for a public meeting on April 12.
Some residents might react emotionally and try to block the project, no matter its merits, but most will judge it on its overall benefits and drawbacks. Keeping residents informed, and then responding in good faith to their questions and objections, is a big part of being a good town council member.
