Residents of Southern Shores Landing voiced their objections to a proposed sewage rate increase during a hearing with the North Carolina Utilities Commission. The rate hike, doubling monthly fees from $90 to $180, drew nearly two dozen attendees from the community.
Sewage Rate Increase Encounters Opposition
The Southern Shores Landing relies on the Ginguite Woods wastewater system to serve its 38 single-family homes. Wayne Avery, president of the homeowners association, highlighted that many households, comprising mostly one or two individuals, including senior citizens on fixed incomes, would be significantly burdened by the sudden fee escalation. This development comes amid longstanding complaints from Southern Shores Landing residents about subpar sewage services over the years.
The wastewater treatment facility, managed by Saga Construction and Development under GWWTP, LLC, faced a tumultuous history. Originally overseen by Ginguite Woods Water Reclamation Association Inc. (GWWRA) in 2003, operational challenges led to the appointment of Enviro-Tech as an emergency operator in 2009.
Despite subsequent changes in ownership, including the involvement of Paragon Utilities and GWWTP, the Commission was neither notified nor granted approval for these transitions. The saga continued with Atlantic OBX’s interim service until GWWTP regained control in 2023, concurrently obtaining approval for the proposed rate hike to $180 per month. GWWTP claims substantial investments in system upgrades, projecting further increases to $232 per month, fueled by a planned housing development integration.
Doubt Over Upgrades
Residents contested GWWTP’s investment claims. They cited historical neglect evidenced by persistent sewage odors and substandard maintenance. They accused Saga of prioritizing system upkeep only upon anticipating new developments. This effectively shifted the financial burden onto existing residents.
Matthew Huband, among the protestors, emphasized the unfairness of the situation. According to him, residents should not have to shoulder repair costs for a system they argue was inadequately managed. Concerns about accountability and transparency underscored residents’ frustration. Susan Johnson’s testimonial supports this, citing lingering sewage issues despite purported investments.
With a meeting scheduled on May 7 in Raleigh, three Utilities Commission commissioners will deliberate on the matter. The proceedings will be live streamed on YouTube. Residents remain steadfast in their pursuit of equitable resolution amid ongoing grievances over the proposed sewage rate increase.
