Council approves river weir crest cap and ferric chloride tank replacement to shore up water and wastewater operations

The Topeka City Council approved two separate infrastructure resolutions on Oct. 7 aimed at improving reliability at the water treatment intake and at the Oakland wastewater treatment plant.

Nicole Mallott, deputy director of facilities, summarized a proposed $800,000 cash-funded project to install a concrete crest cap at the river rear weir adjacent to the water-treatment intake. Mallott said low Kansas River elevations and higher demand have caused cavitation and increased winter maintenance at intake pumps; the crest cap would help maintain water levels while preserving prior public-safety improvements. The council approved the project by voice vote (recorded 9 yes).

Mallott also described a $473,000 cash-funded replacement of the ferric chloride tank system at the Oakland Wastewater Treatment Plant. The work includes demolition of the existing tank, pipe reconfiguration to allow tank filling and delivery to digesters, relocation of the supply pumping system, and new instrumentation and controls. Mallott said the improvements will ‘‘enhance system reliability, ensure safer chemical handling, and support more efficient digester operations.’’ The council approved that resolution unanimously (9 yes).

Both projects were presented as line-item capital projects by the Public Infrastructure Committee and were funded from cash rather than bond proceeds. Staff indicated the river-weir work is scheduled for this winter and the ferric-tank project will last about six months after notice to proceed.

Quotes from the meeting: • Nicole Mallott: "This project will address water levels while maintaining the public safety improvements implemented through a previous project."