Chimney Rock Eyes Regional Utilities

Chimney Rock Village officials say storm damage and long-standing infrastructure challenges have accelerated efforts to regionalize water and sewer services with neighboring communities, a message delivered during a public workshop this week that included a tense exchange between the mayor and this reporter. It was attended by about 15 people, most of whom were council members, planning board members, staff, and contractors. WCAB News was the only news outlet there. 

The meeting, led by Village Administrator Stephen Duncan, focused on the history and current condition of the village’s utilities, many of which date back to the late 1960s and early 1970s but have been substantially rebuilt in recent decades using state and federal grant funding.

Officials said the village took ownership of its water system about 20 years ago after private ownership made it ineligible for public assistance. Finalized in 2022, Rutherford County transferred ownership of the sewer system to Chimney Rock Village at no cost in July 2021, giving the village control while also making it responsible for maintenance, repairs, and long-term planning.

Before officials discussed post-storm wastewater operations, Mayor Peter O’Leary interrupted when a WCAB News reporter asked a clarifying question about the FEMA-funded emergency wastewater treatment plant delivered with assistance from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

“This is a workshop,” O’Leary said. “If you want to ask some questions about issues, could you wait maybe until the end so it doesn’t disrupt the flow of it?” NC open meetings provisions in state law set rules for workshops compared to a traditional town council meeting. In addition to being the mayor, O'Leary and his family own a general store and short-term rental properties. 

Officials later confirmed details about the temporary facility, which is operating under emergency permits from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. The plant is designed to treat about 15,000 gallons of wastewater per day and is currently handling roughly 4,000 to 5,000 gallons daily. The contract for the emergency system runs through November 2027.

Throughout the meeting, officials pointed to regionalization as the preferred long-term solution. Duncan said the village has secured a $100,000 planning grant and is working with the NC School of Government Environmental Finance Center and neighboring jurisdictions, including Lake Lure and unincorporated Bat Cave in Henderson County.

“A report with recommendations is expected by the summer,” Duncan said.

No formal action was taken. Duncan said the workshop was intended to provide background and gather input as the regionalization study moves forward.