Council approves $148,200 purchase of 600 kW generator for Rocky River wastewater pump station

Anderson City Council unanimously authorized staff to purchase a 600-kilowatt Caterpillar generator for the influent pump station at the Rocky River Wastewater Treatment Plant for $148,200.

Assistant Utilities Director Alice (first name used in the packet) told the council the existing generator is about 30 years old. Staff said the unit showed coolant loss while operating through Hurricane Helene; a later inspection by contractor GSI identified a probable failed head gasket and recommended replacement rather than repair because opening the engine could reveal additional failures. Staff received two bids: Blanchard Energy of Greenville quoted $148,200; Davis Power of Bowman, Ga., quoted $150,000; Cummins did not submit a bid.

Funding for the purchase will come from the sewer budget, staff said, though Alice said the city has begun discussions with FEMA and believes the replacement may be eligible for up to 75 percent reimbursement because the failure began during a declared disaster period. A site meeting with FEMA was scheduled later in the month to pursue reimbursement.

Council members asked about delivery timing and FEMA timing. Alice said Blanchard has one unit available in Texas and could deliver after load testing in about two weeks once funding is available; the city is renting a temporary generator, and rentals are costly, staff said. The council approved the purchase by voice vote; the motion passed unanimously.

Staff will proceed with the purchase and continue FEMA coordination to pursue reimbursement under disaster-assistance rules; the city did not commit to a reimbursement outcome.