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Board approves sewer task order; members debate smoke testing, pumps and costs
Summary
The board approved a task order to continue sewer system work including smoke testing and manhole inspections after debate over whether to rely on prior CCTV work, timing, and cost estimates; members also discussed a recently failed pump covered under warranty and longer-term stormwater concerns.
The Bluff City Board of Aldermen approved a task order to proceed with sewer system work that includes smoke testing and manhole inspections, while members debated scope, timing and cost.
Engineer/presenter Austin Smith told the board he was assembling a follow-up scope for smoke testing and manhole inspections and that he was reviewing prior work from 2016 and 2019 to avoid duplication. Smith told members he had not yet finalized a cost estimate. The board discussed whether to rely on existing CCTV (camera) results provided to the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) and whether TDEC’s recommendations required additional smoke testing to reach suspected problem areas “down to the diner.”
Several aldermen urged moving ahead with the task order to address recurring sewer overflows and sanitary defects. One alderman said TDEC recommended smoke testing through the block to identify infiltration and inflow sources, and cited instances where trailers or uncapped sewer connections were later found. Smith said the task order’s proposed deliverable schedule had been provided to TDEC.
The board approved the task order on a motion by Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderwoman Payne. Recorded votes included Alderwoman Payne — yes; Alderwoman Malone — yes; Alderwoman Keith — yes; Alderman Johnson — yes. The presiding officer announced the task order would be signed and executed.
Separately, the board discussed recent problems at the Bridal Pump Station. A pump installed earlier failed within weeks; Austin Smith said the vendor had been contacted and that warranty work would be pursued. The board confirmed a spare pump from another site had been installed temporarily. Members emphasized that pumps alone would not solve the problem if stormwater continues to enter the sewer system; several aldermen said stormwater infiltration is the underlying issue and that the budget for water and sewer work is tight.
Board members asked staff to continue coordination with TDEC and the engineer, to review prior CCTV and smoke-test results, and to return with any cost estimates or scope adjustments after further review.
