20250123Comment_1.pdf

The following comment was submitted via PUCWeb:
Name: David Reed
Submission Time:Jan 22 2025 11:06PM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 90 Clubhouse Way
Sandpoint, ID 83864-9237
Name of Utility Company:VP Inc.
Case ID:VPI-W-24-02
Comment: "I am David Reed, also known as Luke Reed. My wife and I have owned a home at the
development known as The Idaho Club longer than any other current resident, and we are the only
residents to have experienced all of the turbulence spanning the three ownerships of the project. We
purchased our property in August, 2000 from V.P. Inc. during the initial sale of building lots at what was
then known as Hidden Lakes Golf Resort. Our home was constructed during 2003, and we took
occupancy, as a second home, in February, 2004. We became full-time permanent residents in 2012. In
September, 2013 1 was elected to the Idaho Club Homeowners Association Board of Directors, and I held
that position until June 20th, 2024, including the last five years as president.
The water system related to the subject case is the same water system that served my property from
2000 to 2021, and it served all of the homes in The Idaho Club during that period as well. In 2021,the
current owners of the Idaho Club (Valiant LLC), having gained legal title to all of the water and sewer
infrastructure (except VP wells), brought on-line new wells owned by Valiant, and the Idaho Club water
system was physically separated from the VP system. However, VP customers continue to be dependent
on the wastewater treatment system that serves The Idaho Club, now owned by Gem State Water, Inc.
As the Idaho Club development has continued to grow (currently about 120 homes), and the aging
wastewater infrastructure withn the VP service area has continued to deteriorate,the Gem State sewage
treatment facility has become overwhelmed with more wastewater than it can process. Sandbags have
been added to increase the capacity of the sewer lagoon, and , at times, wastewater has to be trucked
out of the lagoon. Much of the excess wastewater is attributed to leaky septic tanks and broken pipes
within the VP service area.The wastewater problem is so severe that Idaho DEQ has imposed a
moratorium on new wastewater hook-ups within the Idaho Club.
It is my position that VP Inc. should not be allowed to expand their service area until all wastewater
issues are resolved.That resolution should include a thorough examination and repair of wastewater
infrastructure within the VP service area. I am also very concerned that wastewater utilities are not
regulated in Idaho. Gem State recently announced a 39% increase in sewer rates for Idaho Club
residential customers with no explanation. I am hopeful that the Idaho legislature will add wastewater
utilities to the list of utilities covered by IPUC.
Regards
David Reed"