In a recent government meeting, officials discussed ongoing issues at the local wastewater treatment plant, particularly concerning a suspected leak in the effluent flow line. The completion of the ACO work at the plant was overshadowed by the discovery that the sump pump on level one, which previously operated once daily, is now running every 15 minutes due to increased water inflow. This situation raises concerns about potential flooding if the pump fails.
The source of the leak is believed to be at the connection point between the main effluent line and the chlorine contact chamber. Investigations revealed that a previously installed liner in the effluent pipe had separated, likely due to construction activities. This compromised liner is suspected to be allowing water to leak into the footing drains around the plant.
To address the issue, a specialized company has been contracted to install a new liner in the affected area, with an estimated cost of approximately $33,000. The installation is expected to take about three weeks once the necessary measurements are confirmed. Officials expressed hope that this repair will restore normal operations and alleviate the excessive water inflow.
Additionally, the meeting touched on upcoming work to replace the raw sewage pump, which is one of the final tasks associated with the ACO project. This replacement will require temporarily sealing off the wet well of the plant and diverting flow to ensure safe working conditions. The process is anticipated to take one to two months, during which the plant will operate under adjusted conditions.
Overall, the discussions highlighted the importance of timely repairs and maintenance to prevent operational disruptions at the wastewater treatment facility.