City engineers outline $27 million TCP grant, well projects and waterline priorities for Livingston
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Summary
Gouvea Engineering briefed council on TCP and arsenic treatment projects packaged with a $27 million state grant expected in 2026 and estimated project completion in 2028, described supply‑chain delays for specialty controls and noted unfunded projects (Well 19, Phase 4 waterline replacement estimated ~$2.5M) with active grant pursuit.
City engineers provided the Livingston City Council with a program-level update on multiple water projects, state grant timing and operational steps the city is taking to increase system resilience.
Mario Gouvea and Noe Martinez described three linked treatment projects for TCP/arsenic removal: Project 1 (completed), Project 2 (Archelian Park centralized treatment with a proposed 1,000,000-gallon semi-buried storage tank) and Project 3 (an expanded plant at the Well 8 site with a 1,500,000-gallon tank). They said the State Water Board indicated a $27,000,000 funding agreement is expected in 2026 and that staff still estimate construction completion in 2028.
Engineers flagged equipment lead-time risk for specialty electrical/motor-control gear used in treatment plants and well sites, naming Tasco as a prominent supplier whose capacity has affected delivery windows. Council members asked whether limited manufacturers for that equipment contributed to schedule slips; staff said the supply pool is narrow for specialty controls and cities are seeking alternatives where possible.
Well 19 was described as having a 2022 test well; the project would include a new production well, building, TCP removal facility, emergency generator and site improvements but is currently unfunded. Staff reported they have submitted a package to pursue SRF funding and are preparing to pursue CDBG funding for a separate Phase 4 waterline replacement (estimated around $2.5 million) that could be 100% grant-funded if awarded.
Engineers also discussed operational details for bringing wells online before full treatment equipment is installed: under state rules, blending may allow interim online use if the overall system meets Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) requirements and the city coordinates with the water board. Staff are procuring arsenic-treatment vessels (ARPA/other funding), conducting semiannual efficiency testing, building a critical-parts inventory and planning motor megger testing to anticipate failures.
Council asked staff to track grant deadlines closely (noting some state NOFAs and timing challenges), assess options for additional test wells in other parts of the city (to reduce dependency on a single site) and report back on timelines for use of previously allocated local/state funds.
