Growth in Calypso challenged by Mount Olive wastewater woes

CALYPSO — As more people move inland in search of affordable housing, lower taxes, and less congestion, towns across Duplin County are seeing steady growth.

While the town of Calypso has been experiencing some growth on the residential front, business development has come to a halt because the town relies on the Mount Olive wastewater treatment system. A series of problems with that system prompted the North Carolina Division of Water Resources to advise the town of Mount Olive that their wastewater treatment plant was not in compliance. That eventually led to the state placing a moratorium on any new wastewater being allowed into the system. That nightmare for Mount Olive has become a nightmare for Calypso as well.

In an interview with Duplin Journal last week, Calypso Mayor Jo Anne Wilson said the town has been able to welcome a little growth despite the restrictions.

“(The growth is) residentially, mostly,” she said, estimating that at least 25 new homes have been built within the town over the past two years.

The town was also able to bring in one new business.

“A few years ago, we had a Dollar General come to town,” Wilson said.

There has been interest expressed in buildings for businesses in town, she said.

“We have to tell them we can provide the water, but we don’t have the sewage capacity.”

Wilson said they were able to get the individual homes added to the sewage system, but a new business would put them over capacity under Mount Olive’s moratorium.

“We have a man who wants to build a laundromat and a man who wants to open a car lot. Because of the moratorium, we aren’t able to accommodate them at this time.”

Wilson said she hopes they will be able to resolve the wastewater issues within the next year or two, so Calypso can welcome more businesses and residents to town.