Ash Street Force Main:Comments and

Concerns

Presented by Concerned Northern Kentuckians

Why Me

Where it started:

• Camp Springs is an historic and isolated community. Identity is heavily rooted in agriculture and German heritage.

• No sanitary sewer exists in Camp Springs valley. • 2010 Citizens were first heard of proposed forced main

in valley connecting Ash Street Pump Station(proposed) to Riley Road Pump Station.

• Strong opposition from citizens because disruption and permanent damage to Community.

• Public was not included in strategic design or location of pipeline (unincorporated area of Campbell County). No local elected leadership.

Where It Started: • Public was not included in strategic design or fully

informed. No public hearing held until 2013.• Location of route was decided in 2010• $25 million was estimated cost in 2011, but certainly

higher today. • SD1 and Campbell County Fiscal Court did not

anticipate strong opposition from residents in Camp Springs or Silver Grove because they are small communities with few legal resources.

• SD1 and CCFC Stressed this must be completed to meet requirements of Consent Decree with EPA to fix overflow problem in Silver Grove.

Consent Decree:

• Consent Decree with EPA was negotiated beginning in 2005, and executed in 2007.

• Silver Grove and Overflow problems were not mentioned in Consent Decree!

• Silver Grove overflow problem was not mentioned until 2009, and was picked as ‘low-hanging fruit’ to offset larger problem in Kenton County that would be more costly to fix.

• Silver Grove has about 350 residences. Any overflow problems come from other cities on the hill (Highland Heights, Cold Spring, Ft. Thomas)

Missed Opportunities

• Less destructive routes were proposed numerous times, largely ignored by SD1 and Fiscal Court.

• Current route offers no growth opportunities for Campbell County.

• Alternate routes (along higher ground) would allow potential new developments and customers for SD1

• 2010 was the heart of recession and few new developments were planned in Campbell County.

• The climate has changed; the utilities should be in places where there is the greatest benefit, i.e. new housing, etc.

No Benefit to Northern Kentucky

• Camp Springs has over 10,000 visitors per year participating in agri-tourism activities (Neltner’s Farm, Herbst Tour, Wineries, Etc.)

• This proposed route greatly jeopardizes a truly unique resource in NKY, and the State.

• 23 creek crossings, air release valves, loss of mature trees, system failure…. Just a few concerns.

• Current problems, and issues from the original Consent Decree are not being addressed, and this route is being used to cover them.

• Over 25 million will be spent on a project that does not add a single new home, business, or customer to SD1.

• Entire project will be the burden of existing customers.

Cost and Benefit

• Over $25 million will be spent on a project that does not add a single new customer to SD1.

• Project will permanently change and disrupt unique historic agricultural community.

• Entire project cost will be the burden of existing customers.

• Recently a $3.5 million dollar forced main in Boone County allowed for approximately 3,500 new homes. Compared to 0 new homes in Campbell County from a $25 million project.

Integrity• We all are on the same side for a cleaner Northern

Kentucky.• The enormous cost with the lack of benefit calls the

proposal and district into question.• Community kept in the dark until project planning was

well underway.• SD1 Board Members change often, staff and elected

officials may take advantage of that.• Had concerned citizens not been persistent in this plan

the taxpayers would carry the burden.• Other communities that have issues should care that

money isn't wasted and their issues can be fixed.• Thank You-Current SD1 for your openness and seek out

information.

References

• Consent Decree-Case Number 2.05cv-00199-WOB, April 18/2007

• Comprehensive Plan for Campbell County, 2008