Bullitt Utilities says company can't afford to fix leaking sewage problem

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A Kentucky company has been dumping toxic waste into public waters for over a year and the leaders of Bullitt Utilities say the company can't afford to fix this problem.

The sewage treatment plant across from Rexroat's home exploded in March 2014. Reports from the Kentucky Division of Water show approximately 1.5 million gallons of unfiltered sewer water spewed into the creek over the course of four days. That’s enough to fill two Olympic sized swimming pools.

The explosion at the Hunters Hollow wastewater treatment site in March of 2014 was never fully fixed and, since then, sewage has been flowing into a creek that flows into Floyds Fork and the salt river.

Bullitt Utilities, a private company, was ordered by the state to connect into Bullitt County's sanitation system, but in state filings Wednesday the company says it hasn't completed work on a new pump station that was expected to start in June.

“We understand the frustrations of residents and know this has taken its toll on their neighborhood," the company said in a press release. "We hope that by bringing to light the full story, a solution can be identified and implemented.”

Representatives say they need the state to approve a 120 percent increase on customers' bills to get loans to pay the contractor.

Bullitt Utilities has racked up $3.4 million in expenses since the emergency.

The Public Service Commission has not ruled on the request.

Thursday night, Bullitt Utilities issued a press release response. You can find that here.

INVESTIGATION: Toxic sewage pours into Bullitt County water for more than a year