Costly repairs

Dear Editor:

The weekend of July 14, the on-call operator for the Warm Springs Treatment Plant received a call regarding a sewage overflow near the Berkeley Springs High School. The blockage was located and additional manpower and special equipment was required to address the problem.

A large (costly) pump was delivered from Laurel, Md. and two additional operators worked until after midnight before normal flow could be restored.

The blockage consisted of pieces of cut lumber and large rocks in addition to accumulated solidified grease. The majority of detritus was of a size unable to flush from sink or toilet. No other cause has been determined at this time.

The rental on the pump, the assistance by Rotor Rooter and the overtime costs will amount to over, $4,000 at a time when the Warm Springs Public Service District is strapped for cash to make needed improvements to plant operation, costly routine equipment maintenance and purchase needed safety equipment to protect the health and safety of our employees who work to protect our health and safety and that of the environment we share.

Thoughtless and ignorant actions cost us all in the long run!

Joyce Altomare
Board member,
Warm Springs Public Service District