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Homeowners say proposed plant could raise flood risk and reduce property values
Summary
Multiple residents told ADEM that proximity of the proposed treatment plant could worsen flooding, increase insurance costs and depress property values; one speaker asked for a $1,000,000 bond to protect affected homeowners.
Several nearby homeowners said the proposed plant site increases their exposure to flooding and could raise flood insurance premiums or cause septic backups. Larry Vance, who has lived in a local subdivision for 17 years, urged agencies to create a $1,000,000 loan or bond to help homeowners who might face flood‑related damages or higher premiums.
"If your policy goes up, probably getting $400 a year, right, what we need to do is get you all to give us a $1,000,000 loan to be able to protect us just in case," Vance said. Neighbors and real‑estate professionals testified that the perception or reality of contaminated water reduces property values and community access to the river for baptisms, youth trips and family recreation.
Speakers asked ADEM to take those social and economic costs into account in its permitting review and cautioned the agency that once a river's reputation is damaged, it is difficult to restore.
