HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (January 29, 2021) --- The Hamilton County Water & Wastewater Treatment Authority (WWTA) closed out 2020 with the completion of projects across the county totaling nearly $23 million.  The Authority begins the new year with another $22,534,883 of projects that are either in planning and design or phases of construction.  

Officials with the Authority noted that the significant number of projects reflects the accelerated work plan as required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The projects will assist the WWTA in attaining compliance with the Consent Decree (CD) agreement that is anticipated to be executed later this year.   Projects completed include the rehabilitation of the East Ridge Basin 10, upgrades to force main projects and pump stations in Ooltewah and projects in Red Bank.  

Michael Patrick, Executive Director of the WWTA said, “We have over 20 projects across Hamilton County that are in various stages of development.  Our team is especially focused on projects that will assist in making upgrades and rehabilitation to assist us in meeting infrastructure needs- -especially in the traditional rainy season which we are in at this time.  Sewer overflows lead to run-off and contamination in our area’s streams.  We are focused on reducing and eliminating these events.” 

In addition, Patrick noted the strong resolve by members of the Authority to be good stewards of dollars entrusted to do the work.  “Last year, the WWTA was able to refinance bonds resulting in a savings of $519, 629. Thanks to support from the board, we not only saved money, but we also eliminated a $3.8 million balloon payment that would have come due at the end of the bond period.” 

Patrick concluded that while the WWTA is making great strides in EPA’s accelerated work plan, the Authority still has a great deal of work ahead.   “Like so many communities across the country, Hamilton County has aging sewer infrastructure that must be rehabilitated and upgraded to meet present and future needs and place us in compliance.   We look forward to the projects the new year brings and the difference their completion will make on our environment.” 

WWTA Board Chair Dick Gee said, “We recognize that bringing our present sewer system up to a safe and healthy standard is an overwhelming task; however, the board is confident that the men and women of the WWTA are up to the challenge.   We are very proud of the work done to-date and look forward to a brighter future.”  

WWTA ANNOUNCES SEWER RATE CHANGES TO PUT HAMILTON COUNTY IN COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ACT: Sewer Projects and Upgrades Underway Across County to Mitigate Sanitary Sewer Overflows

The Hamilton County Water and Wastewater Treatment Authority (WWTA) has been in negotiations with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for more than five years. The WWTA has been working to enter into a Consent Decree (CD) that will provide a legal settlement and a work plan to address sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) in Hamilton County. As with other metropolitan areas across the state and country who have entered into similar agreements, the WWTA anticipates the duration of the CD to be between 15 and 20 years with a significant portion of the work occurring in the first 10 years. 

The primary requirement of the CD is an accelerated work plan. In anticipation of the CD, sewer rehabilitation projects are currently underway in East Ridge, Lookout Mountain, Ooltewah, Red Bank, and Soddy Daisy. Additional projects are in the planning stage that will correct significant deficiencies on Signal Mountain.  

With numerous sewer projects already in progress across Hamilton County and many more to come, the cost of the work is significant. To begin to meet the financial obligations of the accelerated work plan, it is necessary for the WWTA to increase sewer fees by 12%. The rate increase will take effect on October 1, 2020.  

WWTA Board Chairman Dick Gee said, “The Hamilton County sewer system typically experiences over 200 weather-related sewer overflows each year. The overflows can contaminate local streams and potentially pose a public health risk. Addressing the issue is costly; however, it is the right thing to do and it is a requirement of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.”  

WWTA Executive Director, Michael Patrick said, “The WWTA has worked hard to keep sewer fees as low as possible throughout its history. As with other infrastructure that we rely on as a society, a very conservative approach was taken to address upgrades and repairs.  Unfortunately, we are at the point where we can no longer put off making significant improvements to our critical sewer infrastructure.  Some of the most important components of our modern society are the investments that previous generations have made in our water and sewer infrastructure.  Those investments were not easy then and certainly are not easy now.  However, it is time for us to do our part for ourselves as well as for future generations. In the coming months, you will be hearing about the projects that the WWTA is undertaking to provide a safe and reliable sanitary sewer system for Hamilton County.   We would appreciate the public’s understanding as the work begins. We will post regular updates on our social media page and also through traditional media platforms to let the public know where these investments are being made, why they are being made, and who they will serve both now and in the future.”

1. What is an EPA Consent Decree adn why does the WWTA have one?

A consent decree or CD is a legal settlement between the EPA and the WWTA to develop  a plan to address excessive sanitary sewer overflows.  We will enter into a CD to meet the needs of our citizens and attain compliance with the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. 

2. How long does a CD last?

The Hamilton County WWTA anticipates that our CD may last between 15-20 years.

3. My sewer bill is already high. Is there anything that can be done?

At this time, the WWTA Board of Commissioners is looking at options to minimize the impact as much as possible to our customers.  The increase is something we’ve tried to put off for as long as possible and we’ve asked our finance team to look at any and every option possible that might provide some relief to our customers- -especially to the elderly and those on limited incomes.  

4. How many projects does the WWTA currently have and where are they?

We currently have 20 projects across the county. The areas where we are currently working are: Apison, East Ridge, Lookout Mountain, Ooltewah, Red Bank, Signal Mountain and Soddy Daisy; however, this is just the beginning of the work to be done.

5. My home is on a septic tank. Why do I have to pay for sewer?

When septic systems fail, it not only impacts the homeowner but could impact neighbors as well.  When this happens, the homeowner must quickly move to address the disposal of wastewater.  The options are some type of alternative method of wastewater disposal which can be very expensive or connecting to the WWTA’s system.   

Tennessee Code Annotated 7-35-201 requires homeowners to pay sewer fees if they are not connected to the system. This only applies if the property has sewer availability.

Thanks Hiller Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical for the tips! This is definitely worth a double-click.

Encourages Customers to Reach Out Directly to WWTA in Times of Need

The Hamilton County WWTA has some tips for customers experiencing sewer issues, beginning with the most important:  Call us first.  The WWTA notes that sometimes customers will reach out to their particular city or municipality regarding sewer issues instead of reaching out for immediate assistance by the WWTA. 

Here are several helpful pieces of information for customers:

• Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.
• Customers can always contact the WWTA via email at WWTA@HamiltonTN.gov
• For questions with billing, customers may call:  423-209-7808
• The WWTA has a 24-hour hour Pay-By-Phone Line:  1-844-657-2837
• For General Questions regarding permits, sewer availability, etc., customers may call 423-209-7842
• For questions regarding emergency sewer overflows, 423-209-6408
• Grinder Pump and Step System Service Calls are accessed by calling:  423-209-6409
• Still looking for an answer?  The WWTA’s website has been updated to make searching easier than ever:  wwta.hamiltontn.gov