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Council approves $1.712 million bid for wastewater chemical‑storage and Silver Lake pump station work
Summary
Council voted to award a project to Hart Engineering for $1,712,000 to replace failing chemical tanks at the wastewater treatment plant and carry out Silver Lake Pump Station improvements; funding will come from the wastewater capital reserve and be partially reimbursed by partner flows.
The council voted to award an engineering and repair contract to Hart Engineering for $1,712,000 to address failing chemical storage tanks (hypochlorite and sodium bisulfite) at the town wastewater treatment plant and to perform related work at the Silver Lake Pump Station.
Presenter Rich Verbernet told the council the double-walled hypochlorite tank had interior wall failures and the scope also includes pumps and piping at Silver Lake. He said combining the work produced economies of scale and that a portion of the cost will be reimbursed by partner communities (Narragansett and the University of Rhode Island) in proportion to flow.
Why it matters: the failed equipment posed operational and environmental risks if not addressed. Council members questioned capital-reserve levels and reimbursement arrangements. Staff said the town will front the capital reserve payment and seek reimbursement from partners; the finance director previously reported wastewater capital reserves in the $11–12 million range.
What the vote did: Council moved, seconded and approved the motion to award the bid to Hart Engineering and to fund the work from the wastewater capital reserve with partner reimbursements as described.
Quote: On the award, staff summarized the scope as an "award of bid to Hart Engineering for $1,712,000 to be paid from the wastewater capital reserve with a portion to be reimbursed by our wastewater partners."
