Commission approves New River water plan
The company Robert Campbell & Associates is looking to build a water line as shown on this map. From a purified water tank, the line would go about 0.72 miles to Fork Mountain Baptist Church. The route would also include Beech Grove Baptist Church. (photo:Map by Robert Campbell & Associates )
Robert Campbell & Associates, an engineering firm, recommended a groundwater treatment system and distribution lines to serve residents in the New River community.
Campbell, speaking for his company at the commission’s Operations Committee meeting, said the line would extend from a tank containing treated water to as many as six locations, ending at Fork Mountain Baptist Church.
Commissioners unanimously approved the measures at its July 20 meeting without discussion.
The Operations Committee had discussed the proposal at its July 13 meeting.
The effort comes in response to residents’ complaints about the quality of their well water.
Campbell estimated the project would cost about $929,000, including construction, engineering, surveying, inspection, contract administration, project administration and contingency costs.
“We’ve not done anything yet,” Campbell said. “We’ve just put some stuff on paper. So we’ll see how that goes from here.”
Frank said the plan provided by Robert Campbell & Associates was workable for the relatively small number of people who would be served.
“That’s been one of the big obstacles, is the ability to meet the requirements that would be involved with a water line, a standard waterline,” she said. “So I think they’ve figured that out.”
“It’s a funding issue now,” Operations Committee Chairman Tim Isbel told The Courier News.
Isbel said it could take anywhere from one to three months to secure a state grant.
The proposal comes after residents complained about the quality of their well water. One resident, Odis Phillips, told commissioners at an earlier meeting that his water had high levels of E. coli bacteria, and showed them a sample of cloudy water.
“You don’t want to drink that,” he said. “And I’ll say this to the commission: I don’t think any of you here would want this to be the only source of water you’ve got coming into your house.”
Phillips added that his family has no other source of water for bathing.
Campbell, citing water tests, said the poor water quality constituted an emergency and that the county could apply for an emergency grant.
The tests were conducted by Maryville-based Microbac on samples collected March 25. A sample from a residence on New River Highway contained 2.62 milligrams of manganese per liter. A sample from Fork Mountain Baptist Church contained 0.763 milligrams per liter.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has established a health advisory for manganese in drinking water. Additional test results are included in the report attached to the July 20 County Commission agenda.
A state grant could cover construction costs, but responsibility for continued maintenance is less clear.
During the Operations Committee meeting, Commissioner Stephen Verran asked about that issue. Commissioner Michael Foster suggested working with a private partner.
Campbell said that if a nearby state park uses the water system, it might help pay for maintenance.
New River Water Problem
Approved: The Anderson County Commission unanimously approved a plan to bring clean water to residents in the New River area, and authorized County Mayor Terry Frank to pursue state grant funding.
Project Scope: The proposed project would include a groundwater treatment system and distribution lines serving as many as six locations, with the line ending at Fork Mountain Baptist Church.
Estimated Cost: Engineering firm Robert Campbell & Associates estimates the project will cost about $929,000, including construction, engineering, surveying, inspection, administration and contingency costs.
Water testing found elevated manganese levels in samples from a New River Highway residence and Fork Mountain Baptist Church. Engineer Robert Campbell said the water-quality problems constitute an emergency that could qualify the county for an emergency water grant.
