Stratton does what it must to obey arsenic law

On one hand, the chairman of the Stratton Village Board is grateful for the government's help in financing the community's $1.2 million water project. But, on the other hand, Chairman Rich Bernt can't help but be upset by the rules which are forcing Stratton and other Southwest Nebraska communities to revamp their water supplies.

"We're complying with the new federal arsenic standards, and, actually, the process has gone pretty smoothly," he said. The project's development was assured last week when the Rural Development arm of the U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded Stratton a $404,000 grant and a $797,000 loan for the water project. The funds will be used to construct a new well field, build a transmission line and paint the community's existing storage tank.

The project will get rolling very soon. Drilling of test wells will start the week of June 6, Bernt said. Stratton will be looking at water sources five miles west of town. Once a site is chosen, Bernt expects the project to proceed rapidly, as the village has a target date of August 2006 to complete the project.

While $404,000 of the total is an outright grant, the other $797,000 will have to be paid back over 40 years at 4.25 percent interest. That's a good interest rate, but when spread over 40 years it still will be a sizable burden for the town of 396 population.

Like many in Southwest Nebraska, Chairman Bernt still wonders if the great expense is necessary. "At just over 11 parts per billion in arsenic content, Stratton's current wells are just slightly above the new 10 parts per billion limit," he said. "The arsenic level in this area is 'in situ,' meaning that it is naturally occurring," Bernt explained. "This is the same water we have been drinking throughout our history, and area citizens' average life expectancy is among the highest in the nation. It makes you wonder, 'What's the problem, and why are we being asked to change?'"

Despite reservations, Stratton's board members and residents are doing what they have to do: obey the law. And -- given the circumstances -- this town of 396 has handled the situation well, arranging for a new water supply that will not substantially increase rates -- at least in the short term.

Stratton's actions are an example of making the best of the situation. And -- like it or not -- that's what communities all up and down the Republican River have had to do to comply with the government's new 10 parts per billion arsenic standard.