Parish engineer outlines plan to close oxidation ponds after DEQ rule changes; lifting stations costly to decommission

Parish Engineer Eric Hudson told jurors that decommissioned lift stations and oxidation ponds are closed periodically as funding allows and that specific sites are inspected (mowing, chlorine) at least quarterly. He said one site near Kingston Road is monitored regularly and that closing lift stations is costly because of pumping and cleaning requirements.

Hudson said recent Department of Environmental Quality regulatory changes make closing oxidation ponds a much lower cost and that a formal plan has been submitted to DEQ. He said he will research whether DEQ or other programs offer low-interest loans to expedite closures and will bring a closure plan and potential funding opportunities back to the committee for consideration. Juror Philip Rodgers requested a plan for permanent closure of specified ponds, including Turtle Creek Subdivision ponds once a new lift station is operational.