Rain causes problems at county landfill
By Deborah Bennett Millen News Editor

Contamination of a sedimentation pond at the county landfill caused by recent heavy rainfall could cost the county thousands of dollars to clean up. Grady Lane, county field director, brought the Jenkins County Commissioners up-to-date on the matter during the group's Tuesday, March 18, meeting.

Lane said that recent rain had caused contamination of the pond, and that he had reported the problem to the EPD, as required. The county has 30 days to submit a plan of action to the EPD outlining how it plans to deal with the 800,000-1.4 million gallons of contaminated water in the pond.

A tentative plan is being negotiated with the City of Millen which would allow the county to dump the water into the city's waste water treatment pond via the city sewer system. Due to accessibility problems, the water cannot be directly deposited into the pond.

In return, the county would agree to dispose of concrete debris from the city's Cotton Avenue TE-grant project. The county, however, would still have expenses associated with hauling the water to a city sewer dump site and reimbursing the city for electricity used by its lift station. These costs could be as much as $40,000 or more, said Chairman James Henry.

The expenditure of $24,000 for the road striping of approximately 40 miles of county roads by Department of Transportation crews was approved with it being noted that the proposed cost was far less than that charged by private contractors.

"This should get us in reasonably good shape as far as striping," commented Chairman Henry.

In other matters, the commissioners approved a request from the Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV) to allow the group to fly the various flags of the Confederacy at the Confederate monument on the Jenkins County Courthouse lawn during the month of April, Confederate Heritage and History Month. Approval was not unanimous, however. Commissioners Domingo Green and Pam Dwight cast opposing votes while commissioners Tommy Lane, Floyd Chance and James Henry voted in favor.

During discussion of the matter, Commissioner Dwight suggested as an alternative, that the group display the flags at the Jenkins County Memorial Library and offer an educational program "to better meet educational goals and to have full visibility."

Commissioner Green commented that the display made "some people uncomfortable.

"If something is going to be a stumbling block to mankind, let's put it behind us," he said.

Darryl Drake of the SCV noted that the group had erected a display at the library in past years in conjunction with flying the flags on the courthouse lawn and that they would like to continue to fly the flags.

When Commissioner Dwight said that she had received several complaints from citizens about the action last year, it was suggested that any complaints be submitted in writing to the office of the Jenkins County Commissioners.

The commissioners tabled a request from the SCV seeking permission to place a permanent marker on the courthouse lawn in June 2009 commemorating the 100th anniversary of the placement of the Confederate monument. It was decided that the legality of the matter should first be investigated.

The group did approve a request seeking the commissioners' support of the SCV Davis Youth Camp at Magnolia Springs State Park in July. Drake said the national event would bring approximately 70 campers and support staff to the county.

"This will be pumping a few dollars into the local economy," he said.

The commissioners also agreed to review and revise a current job description for a maintenance/building inspector position prior to advertising the position, and a public hearing for the purpose of allowing public input on proposed updates to the E-911 system was set for 6 p.m. Monday, March 31, in the court room of the Jenkins County Courthouse.