At the July New Martinsville city council meeting, the subject of sewage water entering peoples homes, property and basements – when hard rains and storms occur – was brought to the attention of city officials. The problems seem to occur in the Steelton area of town – especially in East Thistle, Paducah Drive and areas near Allen Drive. It was claimed to be an ongoing problem that has occurred for the past 20-30 years.

Longtime councilman Steve Pallisco, also newly appointed as chairman of the Street Department, has been looking into the problem along with Street Commissioner Gary Willey, Water Department Foreman Scooter Wade, Councilman Ryan Yost, and Water Department Superintendent Pat Durant.

Pallisco said the crew has visited the affected areas and can find no visible problems.

Citizens in the affected areas are asked to make sure their homes’ sanitary and storm drainage systems are separated. Officials noted that state law specifically states storm drainage cannot be connected to sewage systems. It is against city ordinance and punishable by fine.

Furthermore, the city is intent on finding the solution to the problem and would like for all residents to check their drainage systems. Those connected to the sewage system are advised to separate the two so city officials can work to find a solution to the problem.

Pallisco noted that, without residents’ help, only smoke tests and visible examinations can be conducted. If the problem continues, New Martinsville will have no alternative than to hire an engineering firm to take over the problem and find out what is flooding the area. There are several thoughts that come to mind, including sewage lines which may be to small.

Councilman Pallisco is intent on finding the problem and is asking for everyone’s help before the city has to go to the expense of bringing in outsiders.

“I want to get to the bottom of this! If it is something the city can fix, we certainly will do so. It could be as suggested – the lines are outdated and just too small to carry all the waste. We don’t know, but we are certainly going to keep working towards an end result,” said Pallisco in an interview with the Wetzel Chronicle.

“Some of these people are my friends and ex-coworkers, I don’t want to see them living like this. They should not have to worry every time they leave the house as to whether they will return home to find sewage in their basements.”

Pallisco said he is becoming frustrated, however he wants to remind the citizens the problem is being given top priority by all city officials. He believes it should be on everyone’s minds and noted it is a dangerous situation. “We may be talking sickness and disease.”

He said every city official should be on top of this and he believes they are. He offered this advice to the residents; “If you continue to have problems, bring them to city council or to the mayor. Don’t give up.”