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City crews finish major digester cleaning; ARV and well repairs planned as utility work continues
Summary
Public works staff described an extensive digester cleaning at the wastewater plant, repairs to a pitted column pipe and pump rebuilds at a well, upcoming ARV replacement during a facility shutdown, and ongoing line/pole projects and lineman training.
City department heads updated the Common Council on Sept. 23 about ongoing utility and public‑works operations, reporting completion of major digester cleaning and several follow‑up repair tasks.
Mike, providing the department report, said crews replaced a badly pitted column pipe that goes down to a pump, rebuilt the pump and electric motor at a well—work he said will make the well ‘like new.’ He described a large digester cleaning that revealed nearly 400,000 gallons and thick, compacted material on the bottom. Crews used heavy equipment and replaced nozzles; Mike said the material was dense enough crews could stand on it at times.
Staff also reported an atypical repair schedule: a vendor delay caused one machine to be pushed back, and the larger machine came from Noblesville, which the crew said made significant progress until rain halted work. Crews expect to complete the remaining cleaning work within days if weather cooperates.
Mike said the city coordinated with SDI regarding an ARV (automatic/air release valve) problem and planned a facility shutdown in October to remove and replace the faulty ARV and install a new stainless shutoff valve and hardware. The city expects the new stainless parts and ARV to improve reliability.
Other updates included a pole/line project on State Road 9 between 500 North and 600 North, new lineman pre‑apprentice training hosted at a repurposed college facility, and a digitization project and lead‑line identification program (referred to as GLOW) mapping lead service lines in the city.
No formal council action was required for the operational updates; council members thanked staff and asked to be kept apprised of timelines.
Ending: Public‑works crews reported substantial progress on digester cleaning and well repairs, planned ARV replacement during an October shutdown, continued line/pole work and investment in lineman training; staff will continue to update the council on completion timelines and any service interruptions.
