HRSD makes case for pump station

by Tom Chillemi – 

Nearly 40 citizens turned out to hear a presentation by representatives of the Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD) on plans to build a pump station at 215 Linden Ave. in Urbanna.

HRSD purchased the house at that location, which includes .36 of an acre, on July 30. The deed was recorded in the Middlesex County Courthouse on Aug. 12, noting a sale price of $225,000.

Attorney Jimmy Ward told Urbanna Town Council a sewage pump station is not a permitted use in a residential district, but could be allowed in a commercial district if the town council granted a Special Use Permit (SUP).

Enclosed pump station

The proposed new pump station will be midway between a pump station at Taber Park and another one on Taber Lane and it will replace both of them, said Burford, and it will also replace the Urbanna treatment plant when it goes offline in 2024. (See related story about HRSD.)

Burford showed pictures of some HRSD pump stations that resemble houses and architecture of neighborhoods. “We want to make sure that our pump stations fit into the character of the neighborhood . . . and blend in,” said Burford.

Legal arguments

Attorney Jimmy Ward addressed the town council and said he represents Anne B. Woodard, adding he will be representing other individuals.

Ward indicated that the pump station is not a “by right use” in a residential district.

“I take the position that the way this property is zoned, (a pump station) is not permitted under your ordinance,” Ward told council.

Decreased property value

Danny Viers, who will live next door to the proposed pump station, said he disagreed with Burford’s assertion that it would not decrease his property value and he questioned if odor reducing measures would be effective. 

Sara Goode said she will live 50 feet from the proposed pump station. “There has to be a better place for this.”