School system offered $4,300 for site to store sewage at SCW

After the Middlesex County School Board (MCSB) conducted a public hearing Monday on a proposal to sell .0564 acre of land to Hampton Roads Sanitation Department (HRSD) for the proposed Locust Hill (sewage) Pump Out Station, the school board tabled action until lawyers have finished the deed process.

Middlesex County Public Schools superintendent Dr. Tracy Seitz informed the board that the only thing holding up the deed process was “finalization of the wording” in the deed.

The only person to speak at the hearing was Evelyn Beaumont of the Jamaica District. She asked the question whether or not there is any possibility of sewage leaking from the facility and having a negative impact on children at St. Clare Walker Middle School (SCW) that is located next door to the site.

The MCSB and Middlesex County Board of Supervisors have taken a position not to address questions and concerns of citizens during or right after the public comment period. “We do not answer questions from citizens during public comment,” said MCSB Chairman Elliott Reed. “We will give you an answer at a later time.”

During discussion later on the matter, Reed said he had visited similar pump out stations in Mathews and Surry counties. “The facilities were neat. There was no odor and from what I saw HRSD did a good job with the facilities. I expect it will be the same here.”