A department of Johnson County, KS

_Proposed sewers at the southwest corner of 159th Street and Metcalf Avenue.

_Blue River # 14 - Contract District # 1

| Current Status | Key Facts | - LATE BREAKING NEWS - | Quick Facts | Key Contacts | FAQ

Updated 08/18/2008


Project Background and Objectives

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Blue River #14, Contract District #1 is proposed to serve approximately 80 acres at the southeast corner of 159th and Metcalf by gravity sewers. While the proposed line will be large enough to provide service to the contract district and the area southeast of that area, there are no plans to provide service to the existing homes at this time. Should existing homeowners desire sanitary sewer service, they should contact Gordon Rames at the number below for more information. Fewer than 20 homes could be directly served by the proposed sewer alignment.

Current Status

The property owner (developer) has not yet submitted a petition for the sewer district creation. Submittal of the petition is expected by September 2008. The project cannot proceed without the petition.

Key Facts 1.) The construction of the sewers to serve the district will be at no cost to the homeowners southeast of the district. 2.) This is not the same sewer proposal as presented in 1995 and 1997. The current proposal will only serve the development at the southwest corner of 159th and Metcalf. It could also serve fewer than 20 homes southeast of the proposed development as the proposed sewer crosses their properties. Those homeowners could choose to request service and then pay associated fees. 3.) Figure 1 shows a conceptual alignment only. Design plans have not been started. 4.) Under Johnson County policy and good engineering practice, gravity sewer service is preferred. However, recognizing the proposed gravity sewer for this development would cross through a developed neighborhood, JCW did consider a pump station option. Initially, a pump station is cheaper than gravity. However, over a 45 year period, we estimate the yearly operation costs of a pump station, plus equipment replacement costs, will equal and then surpass the gravity sewer cost comparisons. The gravity option is in the best, long-term interest of our rate payers.

Quick Facts

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Based on the current alignment, this project will consist of:
> Total estimated project cost: $2,000,000
> Estimated length: 6700 feet (18” and 15” pipe diameter)
> Estimated cost to landowner (excluding developer of 80 acres): $0

Key Contacts

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Gordon Rames, JCW new development engineer: 913-715-8532
John O’Neil, Wastewater general manager, 913-715-8570
John Metzler, chief engineer, 913-715-8542

FAQ

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Q. What is the cost of this project to the homeowner?
A. This project will cost the homeowners $0.00. However, should the eligible homeowners choose to request the service, they will then pay associated fees.

Q. Is this the same proposal as presented in the past?
A. No, this is not the same proposal as presented in the past. The homeowners are not a part of the sewer service area enlargement.

Q. Is Figure 1 the final sewer alignment?
A. The figure shows a conceptual alignment only. Design plans have not been started.

Q. Is gravity service the least expensive alternative?
A. Under Johnson County policy and good engineering practice, gravity sewer service is preferred. In fact, JCW serves more than 430,000 people, yet operates only 31 pump stations. However, recognizing the proposed gravity sewer for this development would cross through a developed neighborhood, JCW did consider a pump station option. Initially, a pump station is cheaper than gravity. However, as it nears 45 years old, we estimate the yearly operation costs of a pump station, plus equipment replacement costs, will equal and then surpass the gravity sewer cost comparisons.

Q. How does the carbon footprint of the gravity sewer compare to a pump station option?
A. Initially, the carbon footprint of the pump station is smaller than that of the gravity sewer. However, after 40 years, the carbon footprint of the gravity sewer will be smaller than that of the pump station. Since a pump station has a greater likelihood of raw sewage overflows, from an environmental perspective, the gravity sewer is preferred.