Richmond’s water operator reports 4-log system online, tank repairs nearly complete and urges aggressive pursuit of state/federal funding
Loading...
Summary
Northeastern Water Solutions (consultant) told the council the town’s 4-log chlorination system has started up and passed Department of Health inspection; two sanitary-survey items remain (O&M update and pump-house spill containment) to be completed by Jan. 31. Consultant said the town likely qualifies for Department of Health facility-improvement engineering assistance and urged pursuit of RI Infrastructure Bank and other funding.
A contracted water operator and engineering consultant briefed the Richmond Town Council on a multi-part water-system update that officials described as "very positive." Key developments include completed tank repairs, the startup of a 4-log chlorination system and new funding opportunities through state and federal programs.
Inspections and repairs: The consultant said Aqueous Solutions performed internal inspections of storage tanks and found no contamination threats. USG, the original contractor for prior tank work, completed welding repairs on small openings in a flange on the Kingston Road tank (work done above the waterline). Documentation from those repairs was submitted to the Department of Health.
Sanitary survey and remaining items: A Department of Health sanitary survey identified several deficiencies that the town addressed through a task force. Two items remain open and are scheduled for completion on or before Jan. 31: (1) updating the Operation & Maintenance (O&M) manual to reflect the new 4-log chlorination system and (2) converting the pump house into a spill-containment structure to accommodate added chemical storage.
4-log chlorination and punch-list: The consultant announced the 4-log chlorination system achieved startup and is operational after a Department of Health inspection and approval. A few punch-list items remain — integration with the auto-dialer (Verizon), replacement of an injector ball valve and installation of a raw-water sample tap — but none prevent system startup.
Tank mixing and documentation gaps: The consultant reported that design drawings called for Tideflex mixing systems in some tanks but that two internal video inspections did not reveal the Tideflex device in the elevated water storage tank. Construction photographs in Department of Health files show a Tideflex device in the standpipe tank, but the elevated tank lacks photographic construction documentation. The consultant said mechanical mixing systems (5,000 gpm units delivering frequent turnover) were designed and submitted to the Department of Health for approval.
Funding and engineering assistance: Consultant recommended phasing capital projects (SCADA/communications, pump-house security, valve replacement, mixing systems) and pursuing funding through the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank (which can provide principal forgiveness per project), USDA programs and the Water Resources Development Act (Representative Magaziner’s office). The consultant reported a favorable response from Department of Health staff indicating Richmond should be eligible for the facility improvement plan and engineering assistance programs, which could cover engineering work and help position the town for larger funding rounds.
Costs and who pays: Councilors asked whether costs would be borne by water-system users or general taxpayers. Staff and consultant stated the water system is an enterprise account and project costs would be charged to the system and its users; the consultant emphasized loan/principal forgiveness could limit rate impacts on customers.
Next steps: consultant urged the council to: (1) complete the two outstanding sanitary-survey items by Jan. 31; (2) submit priority projects for engineering/funding; (3) run hydraulic modeling and field pressure tests to evaluate pressure-drop and potential need for booster pumping; and (4) pursue facility-improvement and infrastructure-bank funding. The consultant also recommended careful recordkeeping for town-performed work to support future reimbursement claims.
