Water for Waste
The Town of Walkersville Burgess and Town Commissioners met Wednesday, August 12, 2015 with a larger than average audience. Water and water treatment waste was the big topic.
Town Planner Susan Hauver and Burgess Ralph Whitmore introduced a proposal negotiated with Frederick County involving Fountain Rock Park. Due to sometimes high levels of nitrates in the well at Fountain Rock Park, the county often must bring bottled water to the park and the two private homes in the park. With the development of Bell Farm, Frederick County asked to tie into Walkersville’s water lines.
Burgess Whitmore explained that Frederick County will still pay for out-of-town taps and water at the Out-of-Town rate. In the past, Walkersville voted to stop providing out-of-town access to its water supply. So, any deal for Fountain Rock Park and its residents would require Town Commissioner approval.
Burgess Whitmore asked the county for access to Glade Creek within the park for the new Water Treatment Plant in exchange. Burgess Whitmore explained that the new water treatment plant may, on occassion, require a larger, faster moving body of water to discharge rejected materials. Commissioner Russell Winch explained that sewage would not be discharged, and it is simply part of the treatment process.
Frederick County will receive clean water for its park and residents in the park. Walkersville will have access to a better discharge location along Glade Creek.
Town Commissioners unanimously approved the agreement. Burgess Whitmore asked staff to let Frederick County know the next morning that the deal was approved.
