Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Rosston Ponders Sewer System

Rosston's City Council will begin investigating the possibility of a city sewer system.

The council, during its regular monthly meeting Thursday, Sept. 3, agreed to look at the feasibility of a city-owned sewer system.

Randy Goodeau brought up the idea, saying he had talked with several residents who were in favor of such a project. He suggested looking for grant money for the system.

J.D. Luck, the city's water superintendent, is certified to operate a treatment facility, Goodeau told the council.

He added a sewer system would be a boon to Rosston and would eliminate some of the runoff currently being experienced as well as cutting down on health threats.

Rosston Mayor Lewis Jackson will begin probing into the matter, first by contacting Walt Denton, the new executive director of the Prescott-Nevada County Economic Development Office.

Jackson will also be getting in touch with the Rural Development Administration (formerly Farmer's Home Administration), the Arkansas Department of Pollution Control and Ecology, area representatives, Congressman Jay Dickey and possibly Sen. Dale Bumpers.

Luck said the system may have to be hooked up along the line of the water system, with all residents getting city water then being on the sewer system. Additionally, the city will have to find a location for the treatment plant.

Jackson pondered the idea of whether or not the city could use the existing easements it has for the water system for sewage as well, or if new easements will have to be procured. He told the council he will look into the matter and report back next month.

In other business the council was told work on the water tank has been completed, all inspections done and tests passed.

The only problem is an exposed water line, but the contractor will be told to bury the line deeper to prevent exposure to the elements.

The city now owns a 60 kilowatt diesel-powered generator. Jackson said it was purchased from Federal Surplus Properties of Little Rock for $3,800.

Before it's hooked up, the city will have to pour a slab for it to be placed on and build a shed over it to protect it from the weather. Then it will be a permanent fixture.

The city has a 30-day warranty on the generator and needs to have it tested before the warranty period runs out.

According to Jackson, this generator should provide all the power the city needs to keep the water system going when the electricity is off for any reason.