Tank-maintenance proposals, costs and ADEM timeline dominate Manatee Public Water Authority meeting

A vendor presentation at the Manatee Public Water Authority meeting on Oct. 14 described a comprehensive maintenance program for the authority’s four storage tanks and warned the board that Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) enforcement of tank-inspection and documentation requirements becomes stricter in 2027.

The presenter, identified in the meeting as a Southern Corrosion representative, told the board the company’s maintenance program would cover annual inspections, 5-year washouts for compliance, interior and exterior painting where required, emergency service and documentation to satisfy ADEM. The representative said the first-year price for all four tanks would be $19,691, payable monthly at $1,640.92 if the authority chooses that payment schedule, with annual adjustments tied to the Consumer Price Index.

Why it matters: Board members said the authority must meet ADEM’s asset-management and tank-maintenance expectations and that doing so before the 2027 enforcement deadline will avoid last-minute demand for contractors and higher prices. The cost difference between bids is significant for the authority’s small water system budget: board members noted a competing estimate from Robinson’s and Sons of more than $40,000 per year.

Details of the proposal: The Southern Corrosion representative said the program’s scope includes yearly inspection reports for every tank, emergency response (24-hour emergency service), washouts and scheduled painting cycles (the quoted schedule outlined painting and renovation timing through year eight and anticipated repainting on a roughly 8–10 year cycle). The presenter said cancellation fees apply during an initial multi-year window (intended to recoup paint/renovation costs if the authority cancels soon after project work) but that after year eight there would be no cancellation fees. He emphasized the contract renews annually and is not an eight-year lock-in.

Board questions and clarifications: Board members asked whether the vendor would supply pressure-relief or temporary holding tanks if a distribution tank must be taken out of service; the representative said Southern Corrosion can supply pressure-relief valves and can arrange temporary tanks (5,000- and 10,000-gallon options) for an additional charge. The board also asked about documentation and ADEM compliance; the presenter said Southern Corrosion had already adapted contract language for ADEM’s asset-management expectations and could provide paperwork on demand when inspectors visit.

Other system matters raised during the presentation included ongoing repair needs at the Pea Ridge pump station. The board’s staff reported one pump at Pea Ridge is running with damaged bearings and that Morrow Water Technologies had inspected the pump and was preparing a parts-and-price list for repair. That repair will be an additional expense if the board approves it.

Next steps: The Southern Corrosion representative said the vendor’s proposal is valid for 30 days. Board members asked to hear Robinson’s and Sons and another vendor (Ensign/Bud Wilson referenced as a company contact) in a comparative presentation; the board requested vendor presentations be scheduled before the authority’s next regular meeting on Nov. 10 so the board can make a decision at that meeting if desired.

Direct quote (vendor): "Everything we do on that tank is included," the Southern Corrosion representative said, describing the program’s coverage for inspections, washouts and typical tank repairs.

Ending: Board members stressed affordability and compliance: several said they want to ensure the program meets ADEM standards while keeping annual costs manageable; they instructed staff to schedule competing presentations and expect to consider a decision at the Nov. 10 meeting.