Staff Writer

JONESVILLE - Even though linking Jonesville and Union's sewer system could cost more than $2 million, the mayors of both communities remain committed to the project.

A study of the proposed link conducted by Summit Engineering Group Inc. on behalf of Jonesville, found that while the link would be a boon for industrial development, it is not financially feasible. The report points out that the town's inability to treat industrial sewage causes industries to ignore the area. Linking the systems, however, would “enable the U.S. 176 Corridor from the City of Union to the Spartanburg County line to have sewer service that will be capable of treating industrial strength sewage. This could potentially help lure new industries and jobs into the area which will be beneficial to Jonesville, the City of Union and Union County.”

While this would seem to make the case for the link, the study states that it would not be “economically beneficial” for Jonesville to pump its sewage to Union because of the cost. The study estimates it would cost $2.25 million to link the systems which would have to be financed through grants and other funds obtained by Jonesville and/or Union. It also states that “Jonesville cannot afford to pay for any of these improvements and they cannot incur any additional debt.”

Jonesville Mayor Ernest Moore Jr., however, said he would like to continue exploring the possibility. He said that given the potential benefits for Jonesville and the rest of the county the effort should not be abandoned. Instead, he said he will work with Union and Union County on possibly obtaining funding for the project.

“It would benefit Jonesville and Union County in its entirety,” he said. “It would bring jobs into the county and bring growth to the Town of Jonesville.”

Union Mayor Harold Thompson said the city remains interested in pursuing the project and is willing to work with Jonesville and Union County in obtaining funding for the link. Thompson said the city, together with Jonesville and Union County will contact the Catawba Regional Planning Council and ask for its help in seeking out grants for the project. He said they will also contact the Union County Legislative Delegation and the S.C. Department of Commerce for assistance.

Supervisor Donnie Betenbaugh said Union County Council remains committed to supporting the project. He said the county will work with Jonesville and Union to seek funding.

The link was proposed by Union officials in March to provide industrial sewer service to the upper end of the county. Jonesville provides sewer service for its residents and the upper part of the corridor, treating the sewage in a lagoon. While it can handle municipal waste, the lagoon cannot treat industrial sewage.

Union has also offered to treat Jonesville's municipal waste, but Moore said that while he favors a link for industrial purposes, sending the town's municipal waste to Union would depend on what sort of rate the city would offer. He said that ideally Jonesville would send its municipal waste to Union at a cost of no more than what it currently pays.

The report states that Jonesville would have to pay $25,000 a year more to have its sewage treated by Union because of the higher rate charged by the city. It suggests Union give Jonesville a reduced rate.

Thompson said that a decision on a reduced rate would have to be made by Union City Council after careful study. However, he said the city will do whatever it can to make the project economically feasible for all involved.

In addition to industrial development, Moore said the town remains interested in linking the systems because of the increasing cost of keeping its lagoon in compliance with environmental regulations. Jonesville's current National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permit will expire Aug. 31, 2012 and the report states that the next permit will likely impose even stricter limitations on the operation of its lagoon. It estimates that upgrading its system to meet the stricter standards could cost the town $600,000.

Moore said that Jonesville cannot afford the $600,000 cost on its own. It will either have to seek grants to finance the upgrade or seek an alternative solution such as sending its waste to Union.