Tests show Killen site is suitable

KILLEN – Much to the dismay of several residents who live on or near Bridge Road, a Birmingham company’s preliminary tests suggest that a 70-acre site on the road would be suitable for a sewage treatment plant.

Still, Chris Matthews, manager of Alabama Utility Services LLC, said the company is not finished studying the economic feasibility of the project, and is not ready to make a decision on whether to proceed at the site.

The company is considering building a sewage treatment plant at the site, which would provide sewer service to commercial and residential areas in and around Killen.

Matthews said the preliminary environmental tests, which were conducted by an independent group, reveal that the site is equate for a treatment plant, but not as good as he had hoped.

“We always hope for better than you get,” Matthews said.

The possibility of a treatment plant on Bridge Road has created an intense debate between nearby residents and the town of Killen, which began looking into sewer options to accommodate growth in the town.

Several members of a group known as Bridge Road Environmental Watch are adamantly opposed to a plant at the site, noting environmental, health and financial concerns.

Members of BREW say the steep topography of the land in the area, where flooding is already a problem, makes the site a poor choice for the land application process the company is considering.

Pam Marks, who lives on Fox Den Road near the site, said she is worried about potential effects on the groundwater and creeks near the site, where her children often play.

“My concern is for the health and safety of my kids,” Marks said. “All the kids who live on the block play out there.”

Karen Jackson, who lives across Bridge Road from the site, said she is concerned about the plant’s effects on the soil, as well as on her and her husband’s quality of life.

“This was our dream home, here close to our family, and now, we don’t know if we would really want to stay here,” Jackson said. “Nobody in their right mind would buy a house near a land-application sewage treatment plant.”

Matthews said he realizes that residents are concerned about the plant being built close to their homes, but said they shouldn’t worry.

“We feel like we can be a good neighbor, as opposed to some other type of development,” Matthews said.

Matthews said the actual plant would be in the middle of the property, and the only visual evidence of the plant itself would be the fence on the property. Also, he has said there is s process to abate any smells from the plant.

In terms of flooding, Matthews said Alabama Department of Environmental Management guidelines prohibit runoff, and spraying treated water is also not allowed when it is raining.

Because of those factors, Matthews said he does not believe the plant would create additional flooding problems for the residents of Fox Den Road.

The debate regarding the site began when the company started conducting preliminary tests at the site, and has continued at several Killen Town Council meetings.

Recently, members of BREW have complained that town officials have not been forthcoming with information about the project, specifically the preliminary test results.

Killen Mayor Jerry Mitchell said he talked with Matthews before the council meeting July 20 and received the preliminary test results.

At that meeting, Mitchell told the audience that he had preliminary results, but declined to share them, noting that they belonged to Alabama Utility Services, and also said that he was not in a position to comment or evaluate the results, which measured the amount of treated water that could be sprayed at the site.

Mitchell said he is not trying to hide anything about the project, and said he has not received any additional test results. Matthews confirmed that no additional results are available.

“We’re still waiting on that final data,” Matthews said.

Still, members of BREW say they would like to have more information regarding the project as it becomes available.

Rhea Fulmer, one of the leaders of BREW, said she does not believe the group should have had to contact Matthews for the preliminary results, although she credited Matthews for being open and honest regarding the project.

While Matthews said the company is still unsure whether it will proceed with the site at Bridge Road, there are other options, as well.

In July, the town voted to explore the feasibility of connecting to Florence’s sewer system, which would be a costly endeavor because the town would have to get its sewage to a plant near Veterans Park.

Also, Matthews said real estate companies and individuals have suggested other potential sites, but no testing has been conducted at those locations.

Fulmer said BREW has not asked to be placed on the agenda at the next town council meeting, set for Aug. 28, but she said that could change between now and then.

The group also has hired Tom Aley, a hydrogeologist, to assist with its efforts.

The group is mapping local springs, wells and water sources so Aley can determine how they could be affected by the project.

Ty West can be reached at 740-5720 or at ty.west@timesdaily.com.