Sewer Board Needs Expert Members if they are to make sound decisions.

I have been following the formation of the Sewer Board. I offer a couple comments in regard to the appointment of the Board members. I feel, as do many others, that the Board should be made up of a cross-section of people with the experience and expertise to formulate a comprehensive plan that will serve the County for years to come. Sewage treatment, location of treatment plant, conveying sewage, types of system that are appropriate, integration of hybrid systems and the most important, the ramification of the cost of these various factors are some of the issues that will need to be decided.

People with technical, engineering expertise and/or experience would be a valuable asset to be appointed to give a basis of what are options and direction of what others have taken to facilitate a cost effective, successful system. It not a simple issue of where to put in sewers. There are comprehensive issues of compatibility, integration, regional and hybrid systems that will effect the long term cost and how to serve the greatest number of people in the county. There are many options to protecting our environment and planning for the future, not one type fits all conditions. Understanding the various ramifications is imperative.

It is obvious that you want to get the best qualified, which is what I am sure the Commissioners are trying to do. I strongly suggest people be appointed with knowledge in sewage issues from the technical aspect, who would be capable of giving advise and experience to the Board and who would be able to examine engineering studies and evaluate designs.


Pat Hanlon
Manchester Area Civic Association