Village updates: deep rock hits on Weston Avenue sewer project, PFAS treatment progress and discussion of water shutoff notices

Village staff told the Public Works & Utility Committee on May 12 that contractors on the Weston Avenue sewer extension encountered more rock than bid borings indicated and that the increased quantity of rock excavation will raise project costs.

Staff said borings showed only one foot of rock near the ends of the trench, but crews encountered rock layers up to about 5 feet, and at the Huron Street intersection reached rock as deep as 25 feet at the bottom of the trench. Rock excavation had been included as a bid item with an estimated quantity; staff said the work represents a change in quantity rather than a new scope item. Staff estimated the extra rock removal could add on the order of $100,000 to the project cost; the committee asked staff to produce quantities and a potential change-order amount for the next meeting.

A concrete-manufacturing error on a delivered drop manhole section meant the contractor rejected the piece and staff said a corrected section was expected to arrive the following Monday. Staff described that delay as supply-chain/manufacturer related and described scheduling steps the contractor was taking (staging pond excavation and grading work while waiting) to avoid crews interfering with one another.

On water treatment, staff reported work on the permanent PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) treatment system began with demolition of temporary systems and installation of new granular activated carbon tanks. Staff said Well 4 has no iron/manganese issues and could be turned back on once the granulated-carbon portion is installed, while Well 3 — which has iron/manganese concerns — will remain offline until an additional iron-removal project is completed, possibly late 2026 or early 2027. Staff said the larger iron/manganese removal will require an addition to the treatment plant.

Committee members also discussed temporary water outages tied to valve replacements on Alderson Street. Businesses affected by short-term outages said 48 hours' notice had been given; local business representatives and members questioned whether 48 hours is adequate to arrange temporary porta-potties or other mitigation, and suggested the village consider giving earlier notice or additional guidance to affected businesses. Staff said the project team already attempts to time shutoffs to avoid peak business hours and that longer notice windows (72 hours or more) could be considered but are complicated by weather and construction timing.

Other project notes included planned restoration work on Westin Avenue, Asphalt repairs and median work on Schofield Avenue nearing completion, and that staff hoped to have many of the ongoing projects completed or advanced by the next monthly meeting. Staff asked the committee for time to prepare formal change-order documentation and quantity reports before the next meeting.