Triangle Towns Remain Skeptical Over Cary Partnership In Proposed Wastewater Plant

Holly Springsis not the sleepy little town it used to be. More growth means more sewage. So far, the town has refused to partner withCaryon a regional treatment plant.

Town manager Richard Self says the proposed plan had too many strings attached with controlling growth and percentages. He says the town may turn to a private company, Minnesota Power, Incorporated.

"This is not a competing plan. It's simply saying that if we're going to talk about regionalism, it's time to do it," he says.

Apex'streatment plant is also nearing capacity. Town leaders have talked about teaming up with Holly Springs, but they are skeptical.

"I personally don't think you can have a regional plant without Cary. They're the largest population center in south Wake (county)," says Apex Town Manager Bill Sutton.

Cary Mayor Glen Lang says he is not out to control Apex and Holly Springs. He says he wants the towns to have a plan to control growth. He also says a plant run by local governments will cost less than one run by a private company.

"Cary cannot dictate terms. Cary cannot tell them what to do," Lang says. "We have to enter into an interlocal agreement which is voluntary. If they choose to go their own way on water and sewer, they can do that."

The state has said, in no uncertain terms, that there will not be multiple permits or multiple plants. They will permit one plant for the region.