Proposed wastewater treatment plant sought for Lake Gaston

An application for a wastewater treatment plant to be located on Lake Gaston has been received by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VDEP).

According to information provided by the Roanoke River Basin Authority (RRBA) Lakeside Commons LLC is requesting that they be allowed to build a wastewater treatment plant that would discharge into Pea Hill Creek.

Notice of the application was sent to Harold Carawan, president of the RRBA and landowner in Gasburg, Va., where the discharge would happen. In a note sent to the Littleton Observer Carawan states, “This is a development that is not needed on the lake. This is a money making proposal that the environment and citizens do not have to endure.”

Carawan ask that everyone work [together] so that this is stopped. The letter from the VDEP states that they will review the application and may draft a permit for the discharge. If they do draft a permit the public will be notified and given thirty days to replay. 

During these times of drought water resources have taken on a new importance. In an article published in the Raleigh News and Observer local state Rep. Lucy T. Allen, chairwoman of the House environment and natural resources committee stated, “The drought has definitely driven home the need for a comprehensive policy on water use in this state.” 

The article dealt with the water problems facing the citizens in North Carolina. The article highlights the fact that water taken out of the rivers, reservoirs and wells is not heavily regulated in North Carolina.

In a letter to the editor sent to the News and Observer on Oct. 1 (as of this writing the letter has not been published), vice president of the RRBA, Gene Addesso commends the article and talks about the Bi-State commission that was set up five years ago for the RRBA, Virginia and North Carolina to have a forum to discuss issues affecting the basins water quantity, quality and other natural resources. 

The issue of wastewater entering into Lake Gaston from older private septic tanks has long been on the minds of local politicians and others concerned with the lake environment. Virginia Beach has been following this issue for some time. 

According to Tom Leahy director of Virginia Beach (VB) public utilities they will be keeping a close eye on the progress of Lakeside Commons request. Leahy has been involved with the water withdrawal from Lake Gaston since the beginning of the discussions. Leahy said that VB is especially concerned with water quality and any impact such a facility may have on it.

The Littleton Observer will be following this issue and reporting on it as necessary.