LEON — Residents in the Town of Leon were updated on the status of the town’s sewer project during a public meeting Tuesday.

Fred Hypes of Dunn Engineering and Kathy Elliot of Region II, along with members of the town council, hosted the meeting in order to comply with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) standards.

Hypes gave a detailed presentation of the project itself, the project’s current status and why it is necessary for the town. He said the wastewater collection and treatment system is being funded through a small cities block grant, the West Virginia IJDC Grant and the West Virginia State Revolving Fund Grant, with the total cost estimated at $3.7 million. He added that the sewer project has been in the planning stages for almost 20 years.

When complete, the treatment system will serve 163 customers in Leon. Wastewater treatment in town currently is conducted through things such as septic systems, Hypes said. Along with providing many residents with a sewer system, he emphasized that the wastewater collection and treatment system also will make the area more environmentally friendly.

“At the end of the project, the ditches will be cleaner and the water quality will be better ... it should be a major benefit to the Town of Leon,” he said.

According to Hypes, the design aspect and permits are complete and the project has been filed with the Public Service Commission. He said the next step for the town is to advertise for bids, which is expected to happen by May 1. Hypes noted that bids are projected to be received by June 1, with construction starting Sept. 1.

Hypes emphasized that construction will primarily depend on the PSC, but that the project could possibly be complete next summer.

In addition, Hypes announced that the sewer rate will be increased to a $33 minimum rate and that if customers exceed 3,000 gallons, their bill will be higher.

Following Hypes’ presentation, the meeting was open for questions. Several residents inquired about the rate increase, and Hypes responded by saying that the increase was necessary to properly maintain the system. Mayor Bruce Riffle agreed and said he understands that the increase will be difficult for some residents, but that he is doing everything he can to look for ways to help them.

“We are (doing the sewer project) as a service to the town,” Riffle said.

Also during the question and answer session, Hypes displayed aerial maps of where the project will extend as well as where the three fenced-in pumping stations will be located. According to Hypes, each pump station will be backed up by a portable generator in case of a power outage.

Riffle described the system as being extremely low maintenance.

“Within 18 months or so of operation, we should see a system that will last us a long time,” he said.

Hypes closed the question and answer session by noting that the PSC will review the entire project, including the rates.

For more information, call 304-812-7070.