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Show Bluff raises a stink over septic system at Bluff School by Freda Aron All the mighty world Of eye and ear both what they half create. And what perceive William Wordsworth overlook a health hazard. Especially where children are con- The Bluff Elementary School has for the third time in less than a decade (1993, things, coming up with a plan for pumping septic tanks every other day, retaining septic leach system temporarily as a short term measure. But for long - - 1997, 2000) been KOed by its water waste system. In other words, the septic tank has overflowed and emotions run cerned. We met with the Safety Committee and Rick Meyer (Sanitary Engineer) last Wednesday and discussed problem of the County School District to see that this is corrected. And stays corrected is what most people are wish- ing for. A1 Clarke, principal of Bluff Elementary School, disapproves of the voiced theory that the children in these schools outside of Blanding and Monticello are not treated fairly. term solutions, an engineer from Salt Lake and an architect are being brought in to solve the Clarke said, Probably 25 years ago, when I first started in Montezuma Creek, it could high and deep. The pros and have been so, but now, there cons make it sound as if it problem. were a conspiracy to destroy The short term contract is to is every intention and every efthe school system, but in ac- open ends of the existing leach fort being made to see that the tuality it is a very simple mat- system and to repair the exist- schools are treated equitably. ter of just pure failure, ex- ing system. The level of the At that time there was one pected yes, planned for no! playground has been raised and maintenance man for all of the The question being asked extended and the area is off limschools, and now we have a and asked and asked is Why its until some corrections are substantial system of maintenance to maintain equity in all made. again and again and again? Is Bluff and the other southworries that the schools. Things get fixed Craig Simpson ern towns around here, init might be bacterial waste and fairly and quickly. We have all cluding reservation schools, children do not stay out when kinds of specialists, plumbing, electrical, carpentry and they stepchildren of the San Juan they play." Another Bluff resident, who are always available. County School Board? No way, according to Gary has no children in the school Emergencies come first, then of The of Cameron, Superintendent equity is a huge concern system, says, majority the School District. Abso- kids here are bussed in. It is for the department. We feel lutely not true, no one would not the town's problem but the the children are safe, the wa Just like you... We cross things off our daily to-d- o Wc wonder what we should make lists. for dinner. We stay up late helping kids do homework. We spoil the dog. Were your neighbors. The things that matter to you, matter to us. Thats why we work to treat you the wray we would like to be treated with courtesy, professionalism, responsiveness and accuracy. After all, we know whose needs come first. With you 110 First Security Bunk a t Member FDIC THE SAX JUAN RECORD Wednesday. November 22, 2000 - Page ter is checked by myself each day and we have taped off the area, plus sending a letter to parents explaining that children will have to keep off the grass (in the meantime). Clarke is grateful to Craig Simpson and Amer Tumeh for fencing off the affected area. There is always some overflow of w'ater on the ground at the school, but it is not considered dangerous... it is the condition of the soil which is not absorbent. Clarke said that crews started Monday on new' temporary repairs until new plans come up for permanent changes. As for some talk going around that the School District should build a new school, Clarke feels that is senseless and unnecessary. Marx Powell, committee member ofthe Bluff Waste and Secondary W'ater board, agrees with Clarke that the County School Board is doing a good job, but he admits the last job they did in trying to repair the 1997 overflow was more of a Band-Ai- d treatment 5 and the right system, particu- larly the new leachfield, should correct the problem, and for good. Time wrill tell! An allied problem (or not). A questionnaire went through the town of Bluff last week, pushing, once again, for a town sewage system. The anti faction insists it is only for the good of the business people in towrn (it will lower their costs). The pro faction insists it is time for a town system because Bluff is growing and growing. But is it growing large enough to absorb the enormous costs for residents of the town? NO, say the anti's, YES, say the pros. And the question is, does the school situation lend itself toward the Yes factions theory, even though it is NOT A TOWN PROBLEM, only the school district's headache at this time. Perception or |