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Libby reports generator repairs, leak survey and a DEQ warning letter; staff says leak fixes could save ~110 million gallons annually
Summary
City staff told the council the sewer-plant backup generator is repaired, a new water leak survey is underway and earlier leak repairs reduced losses by an estimated 110 million gallons a year; staff also reported a DEQ warning letter about an open-cut mine on Pipe Creek Road and said they will work with DEQ on remedies.
City Administrator Mr Sykes briefed the council on multiple infrastructure items: the backup generator at the sewer plant is back in service after a circuit-board replacement; a new water leak survey is underway and staff will analyze results and prepare repair plans; and the city has received a warning letter from the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) regarding an open-cut mine on Pipe Creek Road.
"We conservatively figured 110 million gallons a year saved," Mr Sykes said when describing past leak-repair gains the city has recorded. He said the current leak-survey work is intended to identify additional repairs to avoid the need for water rationing amid ongoing drought conditions.
On the DEQ matter, Mr Sykes said crews and the street supervisor have contacted DEQ and that the agency is willing to work with the city. He added the city will prepare amendments and filings and that DEQ offered extensions if the city demonstrates ongoing work.
Other operational updates included a rebuilt pump at a lift station, hydrant relocations to reduce recurring damage, repair of park restrooms after vandalism and replacement or fabrication of parts for aging vehicles and equipment.
Why it matters: Local infrastructure maintenance affects water availability, sewer reliability and public-safety response capacity. The DEQ warning may require regulatory actions and design changes before the city can proceed with some work.
What happens next: Staff will finalize the leak-survey analysis, prepare repair plans and continue coordination with DEQ on the open-cut mine issues; the council did not take a formal vote on regulatory next steps at this meeting.
