On Tuesday, September 20th at 10:00 AM the BGJWSC will be hosting a 2nd Public Hearing and Comment Period to discuss the Proposed Sewer Tap Fee Allocation Policy. In this meeting the Commission, Executive Director and the Staff will be on hand to help answer questions and to begin to finalize the policy. A final version will be presented to the BGJWSC Commission at the next meeting on Thursday, September 22nd at 2:00 PM.
Due to the potential for inclement weather brought on by Tropical Storm Hermine, the administrative offices of the Brunswick-Glynn County Joint Water & Sewer Commission will be closed Friday, September 2nd. As we will also be closed in honor of Labor Day on Monday, September 5th, the administrative offices not will resume regular business until 8:00 on Tuesday, September 6th.
All emergency services will still be available during this period by calling 912.634.0258.
As Tropical Storm Hermine approaches, its important to recognize that citizens have been known to open up sanitary sewer manhole covers in an attempt to drain flood waters. Tropical Storm Erika in August, 2015 saw such activity. In as little as six inches of swift moving water, an adult person can be knocked off their feet. Opening up the manhole cover can cause an inrush of groundwater that can suck in persons and debris causing drowning and loss of life.
The opening of a manhole cover by any person other than BGJWSC staff is a violation of local, state, and Federal regulations, punishable by severe fines and/or imprisonment. Doing so may or may not alleviate immediate problems with water standing in the street but will most certainly cause greater problems with the wastewater collection system and inundate the wastewater treatment plant. Law enforcement is aware of the situation and will be monitoring for report to our staff.
The BGJWSC recognizes the urgency of opening up roadways to vehicular traffic but we stress that opening up the manholes is NEVER a means to facilitate that process. Our crews will be standing by during any inclement weather event to assist where needed.
A Public Information Meeting will be set for Wednesday, September 7th to provide information and solicit feedback concerning the proposed Pump Station No. 2032 Regional Forcemain Improvements and impacts to adjacent neighborhoods, public roads and bike paths, all of which are located on St. Simons Island. The meeting will have a drop in format with displays for viewing, informational handouts and comment forms. Personnel from BGJWSC, Glynn County and Four Waters Engineering will be available to discuss the project with interested citizens on an individual basis. A formal presentation will not be held at this time, nor will formal comments be taken. In the future, if an official Public Hearing is held, citizens will have the opportunity to make formal verbal comments.