Fayette studying improvements to sewage treatment system

2/14/2007

FAYETTE - Plans for changes to the Fayette sewage treatment system, which are expected to cost millions, are being studied by village employees, who expect to present a proposal to council in the spring.

The village's system dates to the early 1960s when there were far fewer regulations, and it leaves employees struggling to comply with new standards, said Tom Spiess, village administrator.

Employees, along with engineers from Arcadis in Toledo, are mulling options, looking at both the cost of installation and operation for new systems, he said.

The project, he said, is expected to carry a price tag of millions of dollars.

"We assume this will be a major topic of discussion," said Mr. Spiess, who added that he does not expect any construction this year.

In addition, the village has more sanitary and storm water sewer to separate, a project that it has been working on for about 10 years.

Last week council agreed to buy a 2001 Ford F-150 with less than 50,000 miles on it for $7,850. It is to replace an older pickup with more than 120,000 miles that leaks oil and has other problems, Mr. Spiess said. Council voted 5-0 with Mike Maginn absent. Council also agreed to purchase a trailer for $1,200 for hauling tools to water and sewer repair sites.

A decision on a proposed 3 percent raise for the village's seven full-time and numerous part-time employees was delayed again. If approved, the increase probably would be retroactive to Jan. 1. The issue is expected to come up for a first reading Feb. 22 and a final vote in March.