Re: “Seeking a sludge solution,” editorial, Nov. 1.
The editorial notes that building an incinerator to burn sludge would add $38 million to the cost. That’s just the construction cost. Running the incinerator would require taxpayers’ dollars indefinitely.
About 12 years ago, Alabama’s Jefferson County, which includes Birmingham, embarked on a major upgrade of its sewage system. Two years ago, the county declared bankruptcy because of the project, and had to lay off hundreds of workers. It was the second-biggest municipal bankruptcy in American history (Detroit’s is the biggest).
Much of the impetus for building the sewage-treatment plant in Victoria has been the promise of federal and provincial financial assistance. A financial downturn could lead to a postponement or reduction of federal or provincial assistance, leaving Victoria taxpayers on the hook for more of the bill.
Robert Shepherd
Victoria
