Wastewater superintendent says failed sludge‑drive seal has degraded effluent; clarifier repairs prioritized

Water and Sewer Superintendent Oscar Carson told the Athens County commissioners on March 17 that a failed seal on a sludge drive allowed oil and grease into Clarifier #2, creating an oily film, degrading tank performance and compromising UV disinfection effectiveness.

Carson said the equipment is obsolete, replacement parts are difficult to obtain, and he has asked engineering firm DLZ (Gary Silcott) to come on site to evaluate options. He recommended delaying previously planned sludge‑press and building work in order to prioritize repairs to the original concrete clarifiers, including retrofitting new sludge drives and diffusers to restore proper plant operations. Commissioners agreed the clarifier repairs should be prioritized.

Carson also discussed staffing and succession planning. He said the plant currently relies on a small certified crew: himself and Travis (both licensed), while a third employee, Owen, has begun coursework toward a Class 1 license; it typically takes multiple years of experience to reach that level. Carson requested postponing a previously agreed additional hire until ongoing high water/leak issues are under control.

Carson reported a recent major copper service‑line repair that reduced system usage; system usage dropped to about $210,000 after the repair, an approximate $110,000 reduction versus prior levels. He said he will coordinate hiring plans with Administrator JoAnn Rockhold and keep the board informed of repair and staffing progress.