Mayors plan DC trip

City, chamber leaders to oppose phosphorus limits

— Four mayors from Northwest Arkansas fly next week to Washington, D.C., to oppose stricter standards for phosphorus levels beginning in 2012 that could require millions of dollars for upgrades to wastewater treatment plants.

"We're digging our heelsin and demanding attention on this issue," Rogers Mayor Steve Womack said.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 6, proposes reducing the limit on phosphorus discharge to less than 0.1 milligram of phosphorus per liter for plants discharging into the Illinois River basin. That limit is down from 1.0 milligram- and would be effective June 2012.

Womack and Mayors Lioneld Jordan of Fayetteville, Bob McCaslin of Bentonville and Doug Sprouse of Springdale will spend Oct. 7-9 in Washington, along with heads of the chambers of commerce from each city. They'll ask for support from the congressional delegation, includingSens. Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor and Rep. John Boozman, in opposing this limit reduction.

It's the first occasion for all mayors to travel together to Washington, but this issue requires joined forces, Womack said. Upgrades to plants would dictate large hikes in sewer bills.

"This could stop growth in our area. Manyindustries are heavily dependent on water, and there's the possibility of them locating elsewhere," Womack said.

A small increase to water rates in Rogers this year was needed due to reduced consumption.

"There was a lot of concern over a $1.85 per month increase over a two-year period. If people get upset about that, whatwill the prospect of significantly high increase do?" Womack said.

Only eight water treatment plants in the U.S. can meet the phosphorus level being proposed for area cities, said David Jurgens, water and wastewater director in Fayetteville.

Fayetteville's plant,which began operating mid-2008 under a permit limiting phosphorus discharge to 1.0 milligram per liter, has been discharging 0.43 to 0.5 milligram without using chemicals, and sometimes 0.3 milligram.

Upgrading the new plant may cost $15 million, which the city doesn'thave, Jordan said.

"I don't disagree with the levels; we should keep our phosphorus levels as low as we can. But I don't have the funding unless I raise water-sewer rates out the roof," Jordan said.

Fayetteville instead proposes a complete watershed approach to reduce phosphorus levels from agricultural, construction and residential sources.

"Let us develop a lowimpact program, using a nutrient management plan. This will reduce phosphorus entering the watershed and stop one leg of the two-headed monster," Jordan said. "This is more of a proactive approach - it's easier to deal with phosphorus before it gets to the stream."

Jordan said he also plans to meet with James Lee Witt and Associates,the city's lobbying firm, and will check on the status of a $3.5 million worker training grant request with the U.S. Department of Labor.

Womack said he also hopes to talk to Federal Aviation Administration officials about a contract tower program, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency about flood plain management and avoiding delays to posting of new city maps.

News, Pages 1, 3 on 09/30/2009

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