At the meeting, members of the public continued to oppose the Dry Creek project on environmental grounds. There was still some concern about the impact of the project on the area, but the staff supported the necessity of the project and argued that there were limited detrimental effects.
The City Commission had received a letter dated June 21 from the Archeological Association of South Central Kansas, indicating its concern about cultural resources in the immediate vicinity of the Dry Creek interceptor. Even though the EPA's impact statement was ruled void by the board, David Jackman, Jr., president of the association, urged Wichita to follow the guidelines set forth in the statement with regards to archeological finds.
Robert A. Lakin, the city's planning director, recommended in a memo to Denton on June 30, that "the mitigative strategy set forth above be incorporated into contracts and agreements between the city and private firms, individuals or other governmental agencies for the construction and financing of the Dry Creek interceptor sewer project." (Planning Department Files).
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Superintendent D.R. Brewer, Jr., supervisor Roy Griffin, and engineer G.T. Blain examine a specialized sewer vacuum in Albuquerque.
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These mitigating factors included: calling for the city archeologist to be consulted as to possible sites; possible relocation of lines to avoid archeological sites; notifying the city archeologist at least 48 hours in advance of excavation; allowing him unrestricted access to construction sites; giving him the authority, upon finding significant evidence of archeological deposits, to terminate construction for a sufficient period of time to allow consultation with the state historical preservation officer; and allowing an archeological salvage operation to be undertaken if deemed necessary by the state officer. At the commission meeting, Wynkoop confirmed that these provisions would be included in all contracts related to Dry Creek and also said other provisions were incorporated to restrict and repair any impacts on the area due to the construction.
The commissioners accepted the staff's recommendation and voted 4 to 1, with Wright opposed, to approve the contract and proceed with the Dry Creek interceptor sewer. Over six years had passed since the city had first acted on the project.
The Dry Creek interceptor and sewer service charge episodes are two of the many projects on which the city of Wichita worked with the EPA as a result of PL 92-500. They are reflective of what occurred in other projects as well. It must be emphasized that the relationship between the two bodies was amicable, not hostile. Furthermore, negotiations were handled, to a greater extent than in the past, by appointed, rather than elected, public servants. Pitfalls and conflicts are inevitable in implementing any grand improvements, or meeting new standards, as demonstrated throughout Wichita's history.
The sewer maintenance and sewer treatment divisions of the Water Department continue to work to improve the integrity of the collection system and the effectiveness of the treatment process. The federal involvement greatly complicated the task. While federal money is a powerful incentive, as demonstrated by the Cheney and Equus Beds projects, the extra regulations sometimes cause reconsideration of the merit of the financial benefits. However, the federal government's participation also insures that cities, states, and industries throughout the nation will maintain a proper perspective in regard to environment and national resources. Without that pressure, there is no guarantee of continued protection.
Additionally, the requirements for advanced sewer treatment may eventually assist the water system if the quality of sewage effluent enables its use as a water supply. That time may be far distant, but the initial steps have been taken.