The Town of Lexington has renewed an emergency ordinance in response to a sewage break in the downtown area.

At a special called meeting Nov. 20, Lexington Town Council renewed the Maiden Lane Wastewater Services Emergency ordinance that was put into place as a response measure to the ongoing sewage issues at 117 1/2 E. Main St. 

The emergency ordinance was initially put into place in mid-September. 

According to the ordinance, the town was made aware of a sewage break at this location and has taken remedial measures to prevent spillage. These measures include a sewage truck that has been parked in the lot behind O’Hara’s Public House and the law firm McWhirter, Bellinger & Associates since March 29, having to be manned 24/7 to “pump and haul” the sewage away from the area, the town previously told the Chronicle.

Laurin Barnes, communications manager for the town, told the Chronicle that several plans have been drawn up as possible solutions but none have been solidified.

“We’ve made progress but we don’t have a final solution yet,” Barnes said.

Barnes told the Chronicle in July that the town has to acquire properties located at 121 E Main St. and 127 E Main St. in order to fix a sewage failure. The town is in the process of condemning the property, Barnes added that this process will take longer than anticipated and that the emergency ordinance would allow them to explore other options for a permanent fix.

There has been no update regarding the town’s action to condemn the building located at 117 1/2 E. Main St.

According to Barnes, the line can’t be repaired as it is located under a building. She said the town has to acquire the property in order to relocate the line.

“We knew this was going to be an issue, but we made it work until it no longer worked and now we have to find a solution,” Barnes said.

The decision to renew the emergency ordinance was unanimous and it will be in place until January.Lexington continues to deal with downtown sewage issues