Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Infrastructure Projects topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Authority staff update board on infrastructure master plan, sewer projects, storm responses and water-quality work
Summary
Staff reported a draft infrastructure master plan, a closed funding package and multiple operational updates, including plans to take over grinder-pump maintenance, progress on bank stabilization and work to address storm-related system failures.
Staff at the Amherst County Service Authority provided an informational report covering the draft infrastructure master plan, funding updates, several sewer projects and recent storm-response operations.
The authority distributed draft copies of the infrastructure master plan (appendices not included) and said Frederick Fanoni will make a formal presentation and take questions at a continuation meeting Jan. 21 at 5 p.m. Staff reported that a funding package had been closed on Jan. 1 and final documents were sent on Jan. 6; staff said they will submit invoices to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) for reimbursement.
On sewer projects, staff described a complaint regarding sewer odors tied to a grinder pump failure at a property on River Road. The authority discussed taking over operations of grinder pumps for a small cluster of customers rather than building a formal pump station. Staff said the Campbell Street sewer extension would be most cost-effectively served with a low-pressure system; the board will consider maintenance and cost-recovery approaches (including blending costs into rates or adding a monthly grinder-pump service surcharge) during the budget process.
Staff said they have been in contact with the EPA and the project’s service provider on the James River bank stabilization to ensure the project moves forward and that the authority receives all entitled funding.
A manhole collapse at CVTC required repairs the authority contracted for at about $34,100; staff said the authority received payment for that work from DGS on Jan. 3. On Mill Creek Lake water-quality concerns, staff said the town, county and authority agreed copper sulfate is the best short-term treatment and that VDH approvals will be sought because the lake is a town water supply.
On storm response, staff described multiple incidents during a recent ice storm: a vehicle struck a fire hydrant on Isaac Walton Road, causing major discharge; crews isolated the hydrant and restored service within about 90 minutes, though discolored-water reports followed and flushing began the next day. Williams Creek Pumping Station lost power when both utility feeds dropped simultaneously; variable-frequency drives prevented damage but staff traced lines with AEP and reported full service was restored by about 7 p.m. Another station (Abbott) experienced a stretched line but returned to service; Watts Street pumping station had heavy rags that were locking pumps and staff added a screen. A new portable vacuum pump had a belt failure; staff obtained replacements and borrowed redundant equipment to maintain service. Staff reported no sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) during the incidents.
Staff recommended pursuing FEMA funding for standby generators and requested board authorization to join the regional emergency management plan to pursue those grants. The board agreed to consider generator installation and funding options during the master-plan and budget discussions.
