White Hall sewage disposal presents unique complications

Regina Moore lives with her family on Kennedy Drive in White Hall. She, like others living within the town limits but outside the area of an existing municipal sewer system, are searching for solutions to their wastewater disposal problems.

White Hall Mayor Delmartre Bethel said the town is working to expand its sewer system which currently serves 45 households.

“The solution we can provide is based on grant funding,” Bethel said. “Right now, we’re in the process of applying for funding, but we have all these organizations coming in, relaying mixed messages. It makes it hard for the town to actually be able to achieve the goal that we’re trying to achieve.”

The septic tank at Moore’s home is failing, she said, and sewage sometimes backs up into her home.

“There is a septic tank that has been there for years,” she said. “(Sewage) backs up sometimes in the house, in the bathroom or out the door. I’ve been calling around to try to get some help, but no one has reached out except (Sherry) Bradley. [Mayor] Bethel really didn’t want me to go with (BBUWP) for some reason but like I told him, we’ll make that choice.”

Programs exist to help citizens in unincorporated areas of the county receive new septic systems; however, those programs are not geared toward working in municipalities with existing sewer systems available.

Sherry Bradley, executive director for the Black Belt Unincorporated Wastewater Program (BBUWP) explained that because city sewers will soon be available in White Hall, BBUWP will not install an onsite sewage disposal treatment system on a residence inside the town limits.

“We just redid our applications,” Bradley said. “It says that if there is a city sewer available or if it becomes available for service, we have the right not to install a system. We want to be a team player.

“People are calling us and saying they are outside the town limits. We are willing to work with any municipality that has a local ordinance saying citizens have to get on city sewers. If we know about where a city (limit) is, we will work with them. We are here to pick up what municipal systems can’t get.”

Bradley said grants are available to towns like White Hall, funding which is not the same as money available for programs serving citizens in unincorporated areas. Three onsite systems were installed in White Hall by BBUWP before the organization was notified of the town’s sewer system and plans for expansion, Bradley said, but unless the town permits the program to assist, residents within incorporated communities will need to connect to the town’s system once it is available.

Moore said she did not think her home was within town limits, but according to Bethel, all neighborhoods branching off of Freedom Road are inside incorporated town limits. Bradley said BBUWP has requested information outlining where town limits extend but has not yet received it.

Town leaders hope to have funding in place for sewer system expansion as early as 2025.

“The city is applying for resources,” Bethel said. “Our intention is to expand the system throughout the town limits. We are in the research phase and once the feasibility study is complete we’ll take that study and apply for funding. Once we extend our system, we have a mandatory ordinance hookup in place.

“I’m telling citizens that they can sign up with Ms. Bradley but once they sign up, they will be responsible to pay whatever fees she has in place, but should also be prepared to pay our fees (once the town’s system is expanded). We are constantly looking for solutions. Residents have to understand that until the city can offer a solution, it is their responsibility. We don’t have the answer, but we are working towards it.”