Currituck to build new sewer system in Moyock

CURRITUCK, N.C..

Currituck County plans to build a new public sewer system in Moyock after three years of debate and negotiation.

The Currituck County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the project Monday.

The new $3.3 million plant would treat 100,000 gallons per day but could be expanded to 600,000 gallons a day.

Commercial customers, including the county's welcome center, would use about 70,000 gallons per day if it were ready today, according to a county chart.

Permits and construction could take about 18 months. The county is negotiating for land where the facility would be constructed.

Main sewer lines already run along N.C. 168 from the county visitors center near the Virginia line south to the Food Lion shopping center.

Moyock is the fastest-growing community in Currituck County and would be most likely to attract new industry. With a major highway, public water and natural gas in place, the missing piece is public sewer service.

For the sake of attracting jobs and commerce, commissioners have said they are committed to making public sewer available to business customers over residential customers.

Since 2007, Currituck has been negotiating deals with developers and debating whether to buy into an existing system or build a new one.

Initial costs are higher to build a new system, but it would offer more capacity for future growth and give the county more control.

Jeff Hampton, (252) 338-0159, jeff.hampton@pilotonline.com