Lack of sewer holding up new Barrow middle school

The proposed middle school is slated to be built on Mulberry Road on land donated by the Russell family.

School officials hope the new school can open in the fall of 2010 and are now considering the installation of a private sewer system to accommodate the facility.

Assistant superintendent of facilities Jake Grant told BOE members Tuesday night that he has meetings set up with businesses that could install a private sewer system. Grant said a private sewer system would cost an estimated $400,000.

“The Russell family gave us this land in good faith expecting sewer would be installed for the area, not just the property,” board member Mark Still said. “I think we need to continue to explore this with the county.”

Grant said he thought the BOE should wait until January, when a new board of commissioners chairman takes office along with several new BOC members.

“Tell me again why we are discussing this now,” BOE member Lyn Stevens said. “Is the only hold-up the sewer deal on the part of the county?”

Grant said it was his understanding that public sewer would be available at the site, but a deal had not yet been reached with the county on the matter.

“I am confident a private system would work,” Grant said.

BOE member Connie Wehunt asked if the county would allow another type of sewerage system.

“It is a ‘suped up’ system,” Grant said. “Of course, they might not allow it.”

The EPD will have to approve the plans for a private sewer system, Grant said.

Grant also recommended the BOE not withdraw its application for the new school. If it did, the earliest construction could begin on a new facility would be July 2009. If the application is not pulled, construction could begin at any time.