By MELISSA PEACOCK

RESERVE – The sewer system in Reserve, one of the oldest sewer systems in St. John the Baptist Parish, simply stinks, said a crew assembled this week to study sewer damage and map out a repair plan.

“We had many complaints after rainstorms,” Parish President Nickie Monica said. “So much water would get into the sewer system (from breaks in the lines).”

Calling the repairs a “rehabilitation” of the sewer system in Reserve, Monica said point repairs of sewer lines, relining of some sewer lines and repairs to manholes are planned for the system.

“We did a comprehensive study,” Monica explained. “Our engineers that did the evaluation identified all the problems.”

A video camera was run through the sewer system to identify some of the major problems with the antiquated sewer system.

“I’ve seen some of the footage and it is incredible. We can actually pinpoint where the problems are,” Monica said.

According to Monica, the parish still has not decided which company will do the repairs on the system.

“We are still determining costs,” Monica said.

The cost of the project is estimated at $1 million – $500,000 this year and an additional $500,000 next year. According to Monica, funds for the project are already available.

The study of the Reserve sewers was performed last year and was completed within four months.

“It just takes a while to get all the evaluations done,” Monica said about the delay.