Fight brewing over Indian Hills sewer

Indian Hills leaders and trustees have passed a resolution to prove they will not "roll up and die" if the Douglas County government pushes for a sewer project and ignores the surrounding sewer district.

"We don't like to be ignored," Trustee Chuck Swanson said.

The resolution was prompted by the county's request for financial assistance from the Western Nevada Development District for a sewer storage facility expansion and a pipeline around the district.

Trustees are upset that Douglas County did not indicate that the Indian Hills General Improvement District is on the map submitted to WNDD or consult them about a project they say is illogical.

"It appears to be a blatant disregard," said Trustee Dianne Humble-Fournier.

Swanson said the county's plan "just does not make sense." He included in the resolution that the district request more information from county staff.

County Manager Dan Holler said the project has been before WNDD for several years. He said the proposal includes two projects, including expansion of the storage facility at the north county plant at the end of Heybourne Road that will allow for a capacity of 2 million gallons per day. Currently, the storage facility has a 300,000-gallon capacity. Holler said if that project is done in one phase, it will cost $3.8 million; in four phases, the entire project would be $7.4 million with the initial cost for the storage pond of $2.2 million.

Holler said the pipeline would ultimately service the entire north county area. It would also service the newly approved Clear Creek Project, a million-dollar-home development.

Holler said the project will be a "backbone sewer service," adding, "at this point, it is not in (the Indian Hills) service area."

Trustees are upset the county did not send a representative to their meeting on Tuesday. Holler said he had a prior commitment, but he understands the district wants to be the sewer and water-service provider for the entire area.

Holler said the county has already worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on permits to cross Carson River with the proposed pipeline.