$10,000 to fight treatment plant

NEW HILL -- The Southern Coalition for Social Justice won a $10,000 grant that they say may be used to litigate against the placement of a wastewater treatment plant in the unincorporated western Wake community of New Hill.

The grant was awarded by the California-based Impact Fund, which provides support for litigation aimed at creating economic and social justice.

Cary, Apex, Morrisville and Holly Springs are pursuing the regional sewage plant in New Hill to answer a state mandate to return treated water to the Cape Fear River and to accommodate their growing populations. A decision on the placement of that plant could come this month.

The coalition claims that New Hill residents, predominantly African-American, were not adequately consulted during the planning of the site and that other potential sites would have fewer negative impacts.

"We will continue to fight the placement of this facility in our community through lobbying, organizing, and, if necessary, litigation," New Hill Community Association President Paul Barth said. "This welcome support from the Impact Fund only adds to the resources at our disposal."