MINDEN — With the recent hiring of an engineering firm to study needed upgrades to its sewer system, the Arbuckle Public Service District in Minden makes slow but sure progress toward fixing old problems.

“Things move very slowly, especially in a situation like Arbuckle’s where you have to start over again,” says Region 4 Planning and Development Council director W.D. Smith. “Nothing happens quickly, even in the strongest of districts.”

In 2007, the West Virginia Public Service Commission (WVPSC) initiated an investigation into the PSD’s water and sewer operations, “based on its inability to manage both its physical and billing operations,” says a recent filing at the WVPSC.

Stakeholders in the health of Arbuckle Creek — which include community members and those in the rafting industry — have expressed concern about wastewater discharge into the creek, which flows into the New River. The PSD’s aging wastewater treatment system leaks and is overburdened during storms, which affects water quality in the creek. The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection has investigated the PSD’s operations for environmental violations.

The PSD faces a $325,400 delinquency on a loan from the USDA. They owe $1,132,000 total on the loan, which dates back to 1981, according to a December 2011 procedural order by the WVPSC. As of June 2011, their checking account showed a balance of $23,092.

But with new leadership and the assistance of Region 4 and others, the PSD seems poised for a turnaround.

The PSD selected Triad Engineering out of St. Albans to develop mapping of their system, perform an infiltration study, and prepare a report summarizing needed upgrades to the wastewater treatment facility, says Triad project manager Jack Ramsey. The work is in its very early stages; Triad is still waiting for the return of an engineering agreement they submitted, which outlines the scope of their involvement.

The WVPSC investigation into the PSD’s alleged misconduct could also be on its way toward conclusion. The commission’s staff is requesting a status conference between themselves, the PSD, City of Oak Hill, Fayette County Commission, and WVDEP, to discuss “the current status of the district, and what future course of action should be taken regarding continued operations.” In order for any project to move forward, the investigation must be closed.

“From everything we’re hearing, that is going to be taken care of,” says Arbuckle PSD board member Greg O’Neal.

The PSD has also applied for a rate increase of 4.9 percent for residential customers and a 13.3 percent increase for wastewater haulers. That works out to approximately $2 more per 1,000 gallons of water.

“This is just to keep us above water, so to speak,” says O’Neal. “We haven’t had [a rate adjustment] for way too long.”

The PSC says the rate increase will be sufficient to cover operating costs and debt service, plus provide a $10,000 surplus for “reasonably expected plant additions.”

Meanwhile, an informal community group, Friends of Arbuckle Creek, is ramping up a water quality monitoring project. Volunteer monitors will test the creek at several points this spring through fall. The group is also working to develop and fund a storm responsive monitoring plan. Interested volunteers can contact Yves Corbiere at ycorbiere@npca.org or 304-469-4433.

Finally, last August, the Fayette County Commission voted to release $5,000 to the PSD in a “goodwill gesture.”

— E-mail: cmoore@register-herald.com