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Mount Pleasant readies water-tank plans and weighs pipeline replacement with USDA loan option
Summary
Sunrise Engineering told council that water storage tanks are engineered and a USDA loan application is prepared; the existing culinary pipeline (estimated 30–40 years old) lacks a reliable integrity test, and staff will evaluate SCADA valve options and power-hydro installations before deciding whether to include pipeline replacement in a loan or pursue grants.
Ben Coray, a Sunrise Engineering representative, reported that plans for new water storage tanks have been engineered and that the application package for a USDA loan is prepared and ready for submission.
Coray warned that the existing culinary pipeline is estimated to be 30–40 years old and made of thinner material, and that the city currently lacks a reliable method to test the pipe's integrity. Mayor Michael Olsen asked whether power hydros could be installed on the culinary system; Coray said that installation would be possible and could reduce system pressure, which may influence both operational performance and funding options.
Councilors also discussed using the upper tank to regulate flow to the lower tank via valves controlled by SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition). Coray said he would further evaluate the valve option to determine feasibility. He noted that if the pipeline is replaced now it could be included in the USDA loan package; if replacement were delayed the city could pursue grant funding instead. The council received the update but did not take formal action at the work session.
Next steps include consultant follow-up on the valve/SCADA feasibility and finalizing any loan/grant strategy before bringing a formal recommendation back to the council.
