Richland County sets record straight for Lower Richland sewer foes

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HOPKINS, S.C. (WOLO) — Richland County departments involved in the Lower Richland sewer project gathered Tuesday night for residents to ask questions about the line. It’s one of a handful of meetings this month geared at eliminating any of the fear surrounding the project before the November 1 free tap-in deadline. Members of Hopkins and Lower Richland Citizens United, a group opposed to the line, have been attending the meetings in abundance. There have also been people who have already signed up, and those considering doing so. Hopkins resident Jacqueline Myers signed up for the tap-in last summer, when she first heard about the project. “We figure that once we can do away with the septic system, we shouldn’t have no problem,” Myers says. She’s had issues with her septic system. For others, the pros do not outweigh the cons. To those people concerned about rising taxes, Manger of Special Projects for Richland County, Dan Purini, says the system is user-funded, meaning only those people who participate pay. Your monthly bill will set you back $37.60. “No one is being forced to tie into the system,” Purini says. The opposition group says the additional infrastructure will ruin their rural community. “We are not stupid,” Hopkins resident Helen Taylor-Bradley says, “we know that if it comes, it’s going to bring growth.” Richland County Planning director Tracy Hegler says they’ve listened. “What we’ve done is, and what Richland County Council has done, is put other mechanisms in place to prevent that.” Another big motivation for getting the project done is closing up shop on three wastewater treatment facilities Richland County School District One operates in the area. The Environmental Protection Agency has made it clear, the lagoons need to go, but the business of wastewater is murkier. The school district says they can either pay millions to build new facilities, or hop on the new main line “i’m giving them the facts, telling them that yes, this is the best option,” Melvin Henry, Director of Maintenance Services for RCSD1 says. “Regionalization is the best option.” Richland County wants to make sure you’re ready, if you want to take part. If you’d like the chance to ask your own questions, it’s not too late. Here’s when and where you can do so: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 18, Gadsden Elementary School, 1660 South Goodwin Circle, Gadsden 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 27, Hopkins Middle School, 1601 Clarkson Road, Hopkins