- How many bids have you gotten for the Sewer Treatment Plant. We have received five bids coordinated thru MECCO engineering. Based on the studies conducted by MECCO they have given us their recommendation on how to proceed.
- What is MECCO Engineering’s role in the process. We sought out one of the most highly recommended companies which specializes in Sewer Treatment facilities. MECCO engineering has conducted a yearlong study of our usage, flow rates and our compliance with the State of Missouri. MECCO also serves as the interface between Lost Valley Lake (LVL), construction, and the State of Missouri to obtain the applicable permits and reports.
- Is Mid-America Resorts (MAR) contributing to this process. Yes, MAR and LVL are committed partners and have been for thirty-five years. In fact, MAR funded and built the original treatment facility, and turned it over to LVL. Although this property and facility had been turned over to LVL , MAR in 1993 funded the second treatment plant. MAR will be contributing / donating the equipment needed for the excavation for this project.
- Will my Dues / Maintenance Fees increase in 2018. The Board of Directors is committed to maintaining the dues at the lowest possible rate while also protecting the health and welfare of LVL and maintaining our excellent rating in the camping industry. The Board anticipates this short-term dues increase will be sufficient to cover the cost of the sewer treatment and swimming pool projects. With that said, if funding for these two projects falls short the Board will revisit dues for 2018.
- Have we exhausted all means to maintain the treatment facility? Absolutely, in fact both the LVL Maintenance Manager and the MAR Maintenance Manager go to schooling and maintain State certification. Thru out the years we have updated and fixed the treatment plant and have exhausted all avenues to avert this problem. However, with the Federal and State regulatory requirement tightening over the years we have reached the point (and MECCO agrees) that we must replace the facility. All of us recognize the importance of protecting our investments and keeping our facilities in good operating condition; unfortunately, there comes a time when repairs no longer suffice and replacements must be made.
- What will happen with funding if the projects come in under budget. We would love for this to happen and will strive for this goal. If extra funding is realized the Board will spend the funding only on other capital improvements needed on the park (e.g., roads, roofs, etc.). This will allow the Board to help maintain our Maintenance Fees at the lowest possible level.
- Why do we need a new Sewer Treatment plant. Essential point is the Federal and State Waste Water discharge requirements have become more restrictive over the years. We have worked diligently to meet those requirements over the years however, with the combination of more restrictive standards and increase in usage we have not and will not be able to comply. Our first facility built in 1982 was designed for 30,000 gallons per day. This facility was upgraded in 1993 to a design flow of 60,000 gallons per day. A flow meter was installed September 2015. Wastewater flows vary from a low of 3,400 gallons per day to a high of over 220,000 gallons per day. Flow during the month of July 2016 averaged more than 130,000 gallons per day for the entire month. Please note that in past years even with increased usage we have been able to meet standards however, with the more restrictive codes we can no longer meet the requirements.
- What happens if we do not build a new treatment facility. The answer is simple, the State will close the Resort until we meet requirements. Our current permit expires November 1, 2018 so to avoid closing the Resort we must have a new treatment facility operational by November 1, 2018.
- Is this unique to LVL. Certainly not. Various Municipalities in our local area and State wide are in the same waste water discharge situation as we are.
- I get the sewer treatment plant but what about the pool? Our outdoor pool is thirty years old and has served us amazingly well. However roughly, ten years ago, problems developed. The acrylic walls, the concrete floor, the patio, and steps used for entry and exit all began to crack. In each instance, repairs were made immediately. Concrete zero depth entry and exit replaced the steps. Acrylic walls have been patched with fiberglass and marine grade sealants. The concrete was also patched. Each repair was performed with the intention that once it was repaired, it would never again be a problem. It is pleasing to report we have done relatively well in this regard. In spring 2016 however, a new leak arose and it showed itself to be the worse leak to date. The pool is now leaking upwards of 10,000 gallons of water per day.
- How many bids have we received for the swimming pool? This project is out for bid. We currently have one bid and a conceptual drawing which will be posted on your website, lostvalleylake.com.
- Have we consulted with professionals in regards to the pool? Yes, we have consulted with professionals in the pool industry during the fixes we have performed, additionally, we have hired contractors to perform some of the repair issues for us. Furthermore, we have consulted with various leading pool industry experts to garner their input on the issues we face.
- Has there been an increase use of the pool? Yes, as we have grown usage has increased over the past thirty years. Attendance at the pool for 2016 was on par with what could be considered average to slightly above average for a given year, yet we had to dispense 30% more chlorine to meet demand.
- Why do we even need an outdoor swimming pool? Simply put, the outdoor swimming pool is one of the most popular amenities LVL has.
- Can we pay for the cost for these projects without any increase? As nice as that would be the answer is no. Unfortunately, our Maintenance fee budget cannot absorb the cost of these necessary projects. This past year, as has been the case for the past few year, the Club, through its annual dues, has been able to meet budgeted operating costs despite large increases in utilities and repair of common areas.