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Sanitary survey flags tank interior work and possible tank removal at Hartsville system
Summary
A state sanitary survey found generally high system scores but noted interior paint, pinholes and gravel loss in several tanks; board discussed inspections, painting bids and possible taking one tank out of service.
The Hartsville-Trousdale Water & Sewer Utility Board discussed findings from its recent sanitary survey on June 24, including interior paint issues in filter rooms, pinhole corrosion in at least one tank and missing gravel in a tank base that may require cleaning or repair.
The survey scored the system about 97 percent overall, but inspectors noted four items requiring attention, including paint flaking in filter rooms and disinfection byproduct levels that have recently fallen below limits, which the board said will be tracked over a four-quarter average. "They found ... paint's been getting them to float in the filter rooms," engineer Evan White said of the inspector's report.
The board and staff talked through next steps: pressure-washing and interior painting of tanks, obtaining corrective-action plans where required, and scheduling more detailed inspections. Evan White said one tank has about 15% of its interior plate affected and another shows about 35% gravel loss at the base; staff said a tank with significant deterioration may be taken out of service pending further inspection. "This is the one that we're possibly gonna take out of service," White said.
Board members discussed whether to have in-house crews perform pressure washing and minor interior work or hire contractors. Staff estimated the scope for major tank rehabilitation could range from roughly $100,000 to several hundred thousand dollars depending on tank size and scope; one board member recalled a past tank project costing about $100,000, while another cited estimates up to $700,000 for larger work.
The board noted related projects now in design or bidding that affect sequencing: pump-station upgrades and a Starlight project with bids opening July 10, and the planned repair of the Morris Street tank. Staff said some ARP-funded work will address treatment-plant components but that fencing was not included in that funding stream.
No formal vote was taken; the discussion produced direction for staff to obtain updated inspections, cost estimates and corrective-action plans and to return with firm recommendations. The board recorded appreciation for operations staff and said it would coordinate any out-of-service timing with the county agreement.
Background: the sanitary survey and the board's follow-up are routine parts of maintaining public water systems; state inspectors monitor treatment, distribution and storage and can require corrective-action plans and timelines.
