ROGERS -- The Planning Commission voted down a permit allowing for a private sewage treatment operation during its meeting Tuesday.
Jon Jouvenaux with BBB Septic asked the commission to run a sewage "de-watering" operation from his property at 2523 W. Janda Drive. The one acre lot is zoned industrial and already used for storage, Jouvenaux said during the meeting.
Commissioners voted unanimously against the request after hearing concerns from three nearby property owners. Commissioner Mike Shupe was absent.
Cathy Davis, Rogers School District director of early childhood education, said the district's prekindergarten center bordered Jouvenaux's property.
"Our 120 four-year-olds are required to play for one-hour every day," Davis said. "Our playground is right next to this property. I don't know all the details but I am wondering about rodents, chemicals and disease."
Jouvenaux said he also didn't know about all the details. He said he was still researching processes to reduce odor-control. He also said the operation would likely be held in a building.
The operation was needed because it's difficult to dispose of waste collected with his septic business, Jouvenaux said.
"It is hard to find a place to go," Jouvenaux said. "If I pump in Rogers we can take it to the Rogers plant but if I pump in Avoca, I can't take it to Rogers."
Jouvenaux said the closest private waste-water plant is in Tontitown.
The "de-watering" operation consist of clearing the water on the site and then emptying it back in the Rogers sewer system, Jouvenaux said. He said solids in the water would be dried and moved to another location.
Jack Kingston is co-owner of Kar Shop, which is near Jouvenaux property. He also spoke against the permit during the meeting.
"I like Jon, he spent a lot of time explaining this process to us," Kingston said. "We have not had any odor problems but it seems the school does and I'm not convinced adding a processing plant would decrease that."
Paul Johnson, owner of Pig Trail Harley-Davidson, said his business also sits close to the property. He said he wasn't against the plant but did have some concerns.
"I am all about business and I think Jon is a good neighbor," Johnson said. "I do have a concern about property value."
Mark Myers, planning commissioner, said he had concerns about the permit.
"This is the wrong location," Myers said. "It is a gateway into the city and you are near a school. I understand what you want, but not here."
NW News on 02/03/2016