Doug Cade, of CT Consultants, updated the Coal Grove Village Council Thursday about several water-related projects that he worked on with the village while an employee of the CAO.

To clear up some confusion that has affected governments across the state, he explained the recent storm water regulations passed down by the EPA.

The regulations came from the 1994 Clean Water Act that established rules for storm water regulations that are just now implemented in cities and municipalities.

Storm water actually includes ditches, culverts, and any type of runoff from streets, parking lots, and septic tanks. "Essentially they are trying to clean up the streams and rivers," he said.

Overall, the regulations would require a plan that would meet six criteria: developing a public education program, hosting public meetings seeking input, putting construction runoff management, post-construction management, monitor illicit discharges from septic tanks and other areas and keeping records of street sweeping or cleaning the catch basins in the storm sewers.

Cade said a letter asking for a waiver was sent in December but even though nothing has been heard, time is running out because a plan to meet the requirements must be submitted by March 10.

Councilman Kenneth Pyles asked by where the money to implement such a plan is supposed to come from.

"That is the problem," Cade said. "There is no money."

Mayor Tom McKnight said he still has hopes for a waiver because the village really cannot afford this.

"With just 2,200 people in the village this is just another added burden we do not have the money for," he said. "I have problems with the state or federal government mandating something but not providing for it."

Cade said the village really needs to try to obtain a waiver. "This is not as big a deal as some people have let on, but it would require quite a bit of work."

McKnight said Village Clerk Juanita Markel will fax another request to the EPA.

"I wanted (Cade) to come and explain this to council," McKnight said. "I still have hopes for a waiver."

Also, Cade said he is optimistic the village will receive funding for two air strippers for the water treatment plant. The total project is $304,000 and the Lawrence County Commission has already committed $125,000 to use as matching funds.

McKnight said they should know if they will receive the funding by May.

"This will make the biggest difference in the world," he said. "It is absolutely the best thing we could do. It will take practically all the chemicals out of the water."