Hickory Hills sewer hearing on Friday, Feb. 15

A Preliminary Injunction is being sought concerning the Hickory Hills sewer facility by the State of Missouri.

A hearing on the State's request for a preliminary injunction is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 15, at 9 a.m., at the Moniteau County Courthouse. Residents of Hickory Hills and customers of the sewer system are entitled to attend the hearing.

According to a letter from Gary V. Cover, who is the Court-Appointed Receiver of the Hickory Hills Water and Sewer Company, the state has filed a suit against the company because of problems with the wastewater treatment system.

The suit requests that the Circuit Court of Moniteau County order the stopping of any bypass of wastewater from the wastewater treatment system, a requirement that the lagoon cell be pumped and the wastewater be hauled and treated at another facility at Hickory Hill's expense and penalities imposed for each violation. The penalties requested are up to $10,000 a day.

In a letter of Jan. 29, Cover explains that his role has been to make every effort to maintain the water and sewer systems for the benefit of its customers. He also explains that resources are limited and no funds have been available for improvements or replacement of the systems.

He sums it up with the statement, "The practical effect may be that Hickory Hills wastewater system must be shut down if the court grants the injunction." The residences in the subdivision would then be without sewer service.