Clarkson officials discuss remedies to sewer tap ban

Read more at the Grayson County News.

With the city of Clarkson’s state-implemented ban on sewer tap projects still in effect, officials on Monday discussed ways to remedy the situation.

During Monday’s regular Clarkson City Commission meeting, Commissioner Michael Anderson requested an update on the sewer tap ban.

Clarkson Mayor Bonnie Henderson said the ban remains in effect because Clarkson’s sewer system is approved for 50,000 gallons per day, but currently processes 100,000 gallons per day; however, some smaller projects have received state approval.

“I was shocked when they put us under a ban, and I don’t know when they’ll lift it,” she said.

According to Henderson, the high number indicates that ground water is coming into the system, and officials hope the new sewer line camera will be able to identify the locations where ground water is entering the lines.

Additionally, officials are looking to have Clarkson’s sewer system re-rated to increase how much the system can process each day, which could also lift the ban.

A longer-term remedy proposed by the state, Henderson said, will be for Clarkson and Caneyville’s sewer systems to connect to the new Leitchfield wastewater treatment plant; however, the projected completion date for that project is five to six years from the initial engineering phase to the completion of construction and bringing the facility online. Officials have said the state has pushed for regional systems in recent years.

Henderson said questions remain regarding this proposed regional system, as well.

“I’m not against it,” Henderson said. “If that’s what we need, I’m for it, but, like I said, we have a lot of unanswered questions.”

In other business, the city commission:

• Adopted a resolution to approve a supplemental agreement between Clarkson and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, as well as authorize Henderson to sign the agreement and all other related documents regarding to project to install a sidewalk from Millerstown Street to the Western Kentucky Parkway. The supplemental agreement adjusts the budget and scope of work, and extends the terms and conditions of the agreement to Dec. 31, 2027. Clarkson City Clerk Scotty Gore said officials hope to bid this project out either this summer or fall.

  
  

• Approved a proclamation declaring April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Clarkson.

  
  

• Approved a $2,623.50 bid from Holiday Outdoor Decor for 15 30”x60” vinyl Clarkson Park Springfest signs, which will be hung on utility poles throughout town. This year’s Springfest will be held on Saturday, May 10, and will see a karaoke contest added to its lineup of events.

  
  

• Announced that this year’s Clarkson Easter egg hunt will be held on Saturday, April 12 at 2 p.m. In the event of rain, the egg hunt will be held the following Saturday, April 19 at 2 p.m. The commission wished to thank Clarkson VFW Post 12175 for supplying the candy for this year’s event.

  
  

• Announced that this year’s Spring Cleanup will be held April 7 through April 10 for city residents only. Some items, such as tires, tree limbs, and construction debris, will not be accepted.

  
  

• Heard from Clarkson Fire Chief Andy Cain, who encouraged drivers to be cautious heading into farming season when tractors and other farming equipment will be on the roadways.

  
  
  
  

• Announced Clarkson Fire & Rescue’s annual truck and tractor pull to raise money for the WHAS Crusade for Children will be held this year on Saturday, April 12. Gates open at 2 p.m., and pulling starts at 5 p.m.