JCC Notebook: Supes Talk Sewers and Greenspace; Pools Open

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Supervisors got an update on sewer monitoring and the greenspace program, and county pools will open this holiday weekend.

The Board of Supervisors got updates at their Tuesday afternoon work session on the county’s progress complying with a consent order to control sewer overflows.

Larry Foster, the James City County Service Authority general manager, gave the Board an update on the county’s progress on the consent order aimed at controlling sewer overflows around the Hampton Roads region (read the background on the issue on the county’s website).

The county has been examining its sewers through various means, Foster told the Board. He showed some photos and videos depicting examples of failing sewers and the various causes ranging from tree roots to grease buildup to utility lines piercing the systems. The county has roughly between eight and 12 sewer overflows each year, which lead to raw sewage escaping the system.

This is a fairly low number, Foster pointed out, considering the 400 miles of sewer lines and 76 pumping stations in the county’s system.

Once all the evaluations and plans are complete, the county could be looking at a hefty price tag to complete sewer upgrades and repairs. The county continues to respond quickly to any issues that arise, though, he said.

In Foster’s rough estimate of the cost, “we’re looking at tens of millions of dollars,” he told the Board. The process will likely extend over 10 to 20 years.

Supervisors Discuss Greenspace

The Board also got a brief update Tuesday on its Greenspace acquisition program.

According to General Services Manager John Horne, the Board hadn’t officially sat down to discuss the program in ten years, so he just wanted to review the program for the Board and get input.

The program has $3.9 million in existing funds to purchase new property and $14 million left in bond referendum funds. So far, the county has used the program to preserve 1,300 acres of county land. More funds are available for the Purchase of Development Rights program, which only keeps development from happening on privately owned land.

The program has been very successful, Horne said, but he had concerns about the need to monitor the county’s purchased property. This would require staff time or volunteer time.

County Administrator Robert Middaugh told the board that if they wanted a more aggressive program, they’d likely need to increase staff to cover the need.

Board members asked for information on staff time spent on the program over the years, and wanted to know the cost of maintaining the greenspace that includes part of Chickahominy Riverfront Park and Jamestown Beach Park.

County Pools Open This Weekend

James City County's outdoor pools will open Saturday, Memorial Day weekend.

The county’s pools are located at Chickahominy Riverfront Park on John Tyler Highway and at Upper County Park on Leisure Road in Toano.

The pools will be open weekends only through June 19, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. They'll open daily beginning June 20 through Labor Day, also from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Children ages five and younger swim free.

Resident swimming fees are $2 for youth and seniors age 55 and older and $3 for adults. Season passes are available and may be used at both parks.

For information on County parks, visit the parks and recreation website or call 259-5360.