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On Whitemarsh Island, Georgia, a significant conversation took place this week as Chatham County officials finally convened with local residents to explore the possibility of installing a new sewer system. This discussion comes after years of deliberation and was held on Tuesday, aiming to address both persistent wastewater issues and the flooding that plagues the area.
The proposed sewer system would impact 910 properties situated north of Highway 80 and the Islands Expressway. County leaders emphasize that this initiative is crucial in tackling the growing challenges posed by wastewater management and the frequent flooding that residents face.
“The properties are located on marshland, and with the groundwater table rising, climate change is adversely affecting the performance of septic systems, some of which are now failing,” explained Nick Milionis, a Senior Engineer from Chatham County.
To ensure community involvement, a meeting was held on Tuesday night where county officials presented the project and fielded questions from the residents. Surveys were distributed to gauge public opinion on the proposed development.
The future of the sanitary sewer project hinges on community approval, as it will only proceed if the majority of residents are in favor. To date, the county has received feedback from approximately 142 out of the 910 surveys distributed to residents.
“Right now, it is literally, are you interested,” Chatham County Resilience Program Administrator Jackie Jackson said. “That what we are need to know tonight, this is step one.”
During Tuesday night’s meeting some residents spoke out in support of the project. They shared their issues with their current septic systems and said they would opt-in to a sewer system.
“I live in one of the houses where every late summer and fall, I have to leave the area and get an Airbnb,” one Whitemarsh resident said. “I can’t do anything, I can’t flush.”
Some residents also expressed support even though they have no current problems with their septic system now. They said they like the option of connect to a sewer service in the future.
If the project is approved, residents would be responsible for connection fees, plumbing upgrades and monthly utility costs.
However, many residents raised concerns about the total price. Officials said it was too early to provide exact costs.
Residents also asked what percentage of support would be needed for the project to move forward. Officials said that percentage has not been determined.
Milionis said they want all surveys by the beginning of April. If this project is approved, it could take one or two years before construction begins.