Sewer committee approves two capacity reservations, leaving 15.43 SFUs available on Couchville Pike segment

The Wilson County Sewer Access Committee voted to approve two sewer capacity reservations for industrial/distribution developments, reducing unreserved capacity on the Couchville Pike segment to about 15.43 sewer flow units (SFUs).

Committee members approved a reservation request from McCreary East Ventures and Freehill Ventures for 57 SFUs (up to 19,950 gallons per day). County staff estimated the total payment due at final buildout would be $1,710,000 (57 SFUs at $30,000 per SFU) and noted a 10% reservation fee of $171,000 is due within 30 days of approval and is nonrefundable if the capacity is not used within two years. Staff said final sewer access fees will be payable to the county before issuance of final approvals for specific site plans and related capacity commitments.

The committee also approved a reservation for the Wilson Business Center (CSDG) at 2525 Lone Oak Road for 23 SFUs (up to 8,050 gallons per day). Staff recapped that this site was previously approved for 23 SFUs in August 2024 but the applicant did not pay the reservation fee then and the reservation expired; the current approval requires a new 10% deposit of $69,000 due within 30 days. Staff estimated the total payment at full buildout as $690,000 (23 SFUs at $30,000 each). Committee members were told the City of Lebanon completed a fee calculation review for both projects and those fee letters are attached to the committee packet.

County staff reiterated that approvals are for the site as presented and that final site plans must be stamped at a later step; staff asked to receive updated numbers for each facility as site plans are finalized to ensure capacity is not exceeded. Joe Haddix, representing ESDG, said the Wilson Business Center is close to closing and expected to complete the reservation payment within 30 days: "Within the next 30 days, they will close on the property, make their reservation payment," Haddix said.

Both approvals were taken by voice vote; the committee chair called for "aye" and the ayes were recorded. Staff said applicants will receive an approval letter and were reminded to deliver the 10% deposit within 30 days or the reservation will be forfeited. Staff also instructed checks be made payable as directed in the approval letter (the presenter said payments should be made to the county attorney's office per packet instructions).

Why it matters: Committee members said the county has limited remaining capacity on the Couchville Pike segment and wants to ensure capacity is used by developments that proceed to construction. Committee discussion noted the county intends to monitor reserved capacity against final stamped site plans and that the standard timeline for reservations is two years with a possible two-year extension tied to submission and approval of site plans for the property.

Ending: Staff closed the item by noting they had no additional cases to present and that the committee would continue to track available capacity on the corridor. The committee did not record roll-call tallies by name; approvals were taken by voice vote during the meeting.