James River crossing it out. Change could have major impact on Isle of Wight

By Diana McFarland

Managing editor

A pipeline to assist Surry County with its wastewater could have an impact on Isle of Wight County in terms of future development and more.  

The Hampton Roads Sanitation District is now eyeing a sewer line down Route 10 to Isle of Wight to handle the flow from Surry County rather than build a line across the James River, according to HRSD spokesperson Leila Rice. 

HRSD took over ownership of Surry County and the Town of Surry’s wastewater treatment plants two years ago. The agency plans to demolish the town’s treatment plant and will begin construction this summer on a line along Route 31 to transport the town’s flow to the county’s facility. {mprestriction ids=”1,2,3,4,5,6″}

HRSD also took over ownership last year of the Lawnes Point wastewater treatment facility, located off Route 10 in Isle of Wight County. That system is currently self-contained. 

Last year, HRSD was looking into putting the sewer line under the James River to James City County. That plan is now off the table, said Rice. 

“In refining estimates with preliminary design, the updated information has led us to reevaluate all options. Based on the current estimates, we believe the line down Route 10 to Isle of Wight may be the best option — lowest life cycle cost with the most significant benefits,” said Rice. 

Rice said HRSD would take all its information and make a final recommendation to the HRSD Commission.

“Identifying the most cost effective option has been very challenging with the Surry alternatives — as we have done more work on each alternative the costs have changed enough to force us to look at the other options in more detail. Staff hopes to lock down a final recommendation in the coming months,” said Rice, adding that a map of a possible path down Route 10 is not yet available. 

Smithfield District Supervisor Dick Grice thinks a sewer line down Route 10 is a “great idea.” 

It would provide sewer for those struggling with aging septic systems along Route 10 and depending upon the path it takes, could provide the connection for Hardy Elementary School, said Grice.

The consultants that did an independent study on whether to renovate or build a new Hardy Elementary School suggested the county run a line and connect with the HRSD line that serves Smithfield Foods. 

As sewer lines tend to spark development — Carrollton being a local example — Grice said residents in the Hardy District want development and this will provide an opportunity.  

Rushmere, however, is not in a development service district like Carrollton, said Grice. 

Isle of Wight had created development service districts, or DSDs, where growth would be concentrated, thus preserving the county’s rural atmosphere. 

In addition to the Newport DSD, which includes Carrollton and Eagle Harbor, there is one in Windsor and a third in the Camptown area. 

Hardy District Supervisor Rudolph Jefferson said that perhaps a change could be made to the DSDs, as this could enhance development in the Rushmere area, as well as benefit Hardy Elementary School. 

“Development has to go somewhere,” he said. 

 

HRSD to connect Surry town/county

 

SURRY — The Hampton Roads Sanitation District plans to build a new pipe and pump station to replace the existing wastewater treatment plant in the Town of Surry. 

The town’s plant will be demolished, according to HRSD spokesperson Leila Rice.

The proposed 4-6-inch HRSD force main, to be installed along John Rolfe Highway (Route 31) will pump the flow to the Surry County wastewater treatment plant.

The pipe will run from around Marina Drive off Route 31 to west of Rocky Bottom Road and again from Connie Drive to Colonial Trail West (Route 10). 

The total cost for the project is estimated at $10,000 with construction beginning this summer, according to HRSD.

HRSD does not anticipate any detours, but flagging will be used to direct traffic, if needed, according to HRSD. 

Water and sewer service should not be impacted, according to HRSD. 

The work will be confined to the Town of Surry wastewater treatment plant, Connie Drive and Route 31. 

The Surry Board of Supervisors deeded its wastewater treatment plant to HRSD in 2017, followed by the Surry Town Council doing the same for its plant. The county owns the Dendron water and sewer systems, which was included in the transfer to HRSD. The Town of Claremont chose not to participate. 

The Town of Surry remains responsible for its water system. 

For more information on the HRSD improvements in Surry, visit www.hrsd.com.  {/mprestriction}