Public Service Commission holds hearing regarding Cabell County utility

BARBOURSVILLE, W.Va. (WCHS) — State regulators are reviewing whether a Cabell County septic system is failing or distressed.

The Public Service Commission heard public comment and testimony on Wednesday on the Linmont septic system in Cabell County.

The Linmont subdivision is located just outside the city limits of Barboursville and has about 85 residents.

Linmont said it cannot afford the required DEP treatment upgrades estimated at more than $300,000.

The manager of the septic system is wanting someone else to take over the system. Kenneth Toler testified that he can’t secure a loan to get the necessary work done.

Toler said if rates were raised to an amount to pay for the work many of the residents wouldn’t be able to pay it.

Ten witnesses were expected to testify during the hearing. Barboursville Mayor Chris Tatum also testified objecting to the possibility that Barboursville could be forced to take over the system.

“Why should our residents be punished with rate increases because another entity has not done their due diligence to take care of their system,” Tatum said.

The administrative law judge said a decision would not be made Wednesday.

A DECISION WOULD NOT BE MADE TODAY