By Brandi Watters, Herald Bulletin Staff Writer
CHESTERFIELD — Town Council members took a step toward building a wastewater treatment plant by approving the order for a preliminary engineering report, or PER, with Commonwealth Engineering Monday night.
Richard Lautz of Commonwealth told the board that a recent feasibility study showed that the town would save more money if it built its own wastewater treatment plant rather than continuing its contract with Anderson.
Chesterfield currently sends its wastewater to Anderson for treatment and Anderson has raised sewer rates.
Last month, Anderson changed its rates, bringing rates up in increments over the next three years.
By 2011, Chesterfield residents will be expected to pay over $8.22 per 1,000 gallons under Anderson’s new rate plan, according to Lautz.
Chesterfield residents currently pay $1.11 per 1,000 gallons.
Lautz was unable to give a specific rate estimate for residents if the plant was built, but said it was expected to be significantly cheaper than if the town continued its contract with Anderson.
The preliminary engineering report approved Monday will allow Commonwealth Engineers to complete an environmental impact study and gather data regarding the need for the sewer system as required by the state revolving loan fund, which will provide a loan for the construction of the plant.
Lautz estimated that the cost of a plant that treats up to 500,000 gallons of wastewater per day would be roughly $5.3 million, including all administrative and land acquisition costs.
Mark and Max Abrell of the Delaware County Regional Waste District attended the meeting to discuss the possibility of Daleville joining forces with Chesterfield in the operation of the plant.
Daleville will also be affected by Anderson’s rate hike and the sewer lines are maintained by the Delaware County waste district.
Mark Abrell said joining forces “makes the most sense unless Anderson decides that it has made a mistake on the rates.”
“It’s definitely clear that it’s cheaper,” Lautz said.
If Chesterfield decides to go ahead with the project, with or without the cooperation of Delaware County, it will still be another two years before the town has its own plant, Lautz said.
Contact Brandi Watters: 640-4847, brandi.watters@heraldbulletin.com
