WOODLAWN - The Woodlawn School Board approved a consent administrative order during its regular monthly meeting Monday night that will give the school district an extension on its deadline with the state to correct issues with the district's sewer system.
Woodlawn Superintendent Dr. Kevin Hancock explained that a deadline set by the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) to correct the problems is approaching, and the extension is needed to give the district time to correct the problems. He said the new deadline is December 2023.
Hancock said most of the ADEQ issues deal with the chemical levels within the school district's sewer system. He said the district has been working with Harbor Environmental and Safety as well as Meinco Wastewater Services of Alexander to correct the problem.
According to Hancock, an analysis of the school district's septic system revealed that some of the chemical levels did not comply with state guidelines. He said nearly all the levels now fall within the state guidelines, but they are having some ongoing problems with the ammonia level.
Hancock said Meinco will be installing a wastewater treatment system similar to what is being used by the City of Rison. He said he anticipates the adjustments to the system to be completed before the new December 2023 deadline.
Woodlawn, which is not connected to a public wastewater utility, has been battling oncampus sewer plant issues at various times over the past few years. In March of this year, the district had to close school and use an alternative means of instruction (AMI) day after a septic tank popped out of the grant after being emptied.
Refinishing Gym Floor Hancock said a crew from Gym Masters of Searcy is scheduled to start work this Thursday on refinishing the basketball court inside the gym. He said the job is expected to be completed by the time students return to campus after the Christmas break.
...
To access content, please login or purchase a subscription.