Public works director warns of undersized grinder, pump risks at Harmony Road pumping station; replacement could cost about $120,000

Hampshire’s public works staff told trustees the Harmony Road pumping station — built in 2010 and feeding the village wastewater treatment plant — needs both electrical upgrades and new pumping/grinder equipment to avoid recurring failures.

Public works presenter Mister Montgomery described a recent pump failure and longer lead times for replacement parts and said the channel grinder has been overwhelmed by wipes and other rags. He told the board a teeth‑replacement option was quoted at about $18,000 but said that amount is roughly a quarter of the historic purchase price and that buying a larger, more robust grinder with installation and electrical work could be in the ballpark of $120,000.

Trustees asked how much current equipment capacity handles; Montgomery said the existing grinder/pumps are sized for roughly 1,000,000 gallons per day while a proposed larger grinder would handle between 3,000,000 and 5,000,000 gallons per day, providing additional margin for growth. Trustees discussed whether to repair now or accelerate a replacement in the next budget year; Montgomery said lead times for equipment and parts had been long and he preferred to purchase sooner rather than wait.

Trustees also suggested public‑education steps (newsletter and social media video) to reduce wipes/rags entering the sewer system and reduce maintenance costs. The board directed staff to return with specific proposals and cost estimates; no final contract was approved in the presentation segment.