Jason Singleton, who installs septic systems in the area, said the new trunk line won't hurt his business. He has other work that will keep him busy.
He said the mandatory sewer line hookup may make a few residents upset. People who have properly-working septic tanks may feel the hookup is unnecessary.
"Why pay the extra monthly bill if you've got something that works?" Singleton asked.
Buildings that are more than 500 feet from a sewer line may continue to use their current septic systems, as long as they are in working order and pass county health regulations.
They will still have the option of hooking up to the line, but it's not required, said Luther Galloway, project engineer with AGE Engineering Services in Stanford.
Singleton agrees that the county needs the sewer line to open up opportunity for restaurants and shops, but thinks private residences with working septic systems shouldn't be forced to hook up to the line.
The price will vary from line to line for those who will have to hook up, Gilbert said. The fees have not been set yet.
Older septic systems sometimes get backed up. Singleton said he can tell when driving by a house if its septic system is backed up. The yards with sewage flowing on top will have more lush, greener grass, since sewage is a natural fertilizer.
Galloway said the sewer line is primarily for economic and recreational development in the Cedar Creek Lake area, with the new beach and boat dock. Faulty septic systems in the area are a "minor problem" and will be addressed.
No date is set for the installation of the trunk line down U.S. 150, but Galloway said the project plans are in the works. Once the plans are complete, construction bids will be taken.
Money has been allocated for project
The money is in place for the project. The state allocated $500,000 for the trunk line, a lift station and pressure main to push the sewage to Crab Orchard.
Additions to the project will happen as money becomes available.
Jim Howard, who runs Howard's Inn Bed and Breakfast, a bait shop and RV park on the shoreline of Cedar Creek Lake, said a sewer line down U.S. 150 is needed for his business.
He said he has a working septic system for his house, which is the first floor of the bed and breakfast. "I think it's going to help a lot," Howard said. "One thing, it will keep sewage out of the lake."
Howard has a holding tank for his RV park business. It costs about $80 to empty 1,000 gallons from the tank. It holds 2,700 gallons. He has it emptied once a month.
"We have to have utilities for development," he said.
Gilbert said the new sewer line will help the water quality of the lake and the quality of life for the people who live nearby.
