CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The Public Service Commission of West Virginia opened a general investigation Thursday into the water and sewer operations of the Webster County town of Camden-on-Gauley.
It directed its staff to file a petition within 30 days in Webster County Circuit Court to have Craigsville Public Service District appointed as a receiver to oversee the town’s water and sewer systems.
On March 21, the Commission staff filed a petition requesting that the Commission order an investigation into the town’s systems to determine “if the utilities are actually or effectively abandoned” so as to require someone else to oversee them.
The staff raised the question of debts owed to both Craigsville, which provides water and sewer coverage to the town, and Cowen, which provides water assistance; whether the town has staff to provide for billing and collections; and said the issues were related to the “lack of a functioning government” in the town.
Camden-on-Gauley has not responded to the staff’s assertions.
Craigsville has said it would be willing to serve as a receiver to oversee the town’s operations.
More information on this case can be found on the PSC website: Click on “Case Information” and access Case No. 25-0331-WS-GI.
