Delaware County board authorizes Army Corps review for Alum Creek discharge

The Delaware County Board of Commissioners on June 15 voted to send the county’s environmental assessment for the Alum Central Allen Creek treatment plant to the U.S. Army Corps for review. The move was approved as resolution 26-415.

Eric McPeek, deputy director of operations for the regional sewer district, told the commissioners the Corps will evaluate technical engineering and environmental documentation, and prepare any real‑estate paperwork if the project is approved. "The total cost of their evaluation is just over $89,000," McPeek said. He estimated the review could take "within the next 6 to 12 months," adding it might be closer to nine months.

Commission President Jeff Benton and the other commissioners recorded their support and voted to approve the resolution. No public comment was taken on the item.

The Corps’ review is a procedural step to assess potential environmental impacts and the proposed discharge into Alum Creek; McPeek said the Corps may request additional information during its review. The board’s approval authorizes county staff to proceed with the application and associated payments needed for that evaluation.

The next scheduled public procedural step will depend on the Corps’ findings and any requests for further data; staff said they will report back to the board when the Corps completes its review.