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Brevard officials praise storm response; public-works staff note generator and pump-station vulnerabilities
Summary
City officials thanked emergency and public-works staff for storm response after two winter storms; staff reported no loss of wastewater-treatment operations but flagged an aging water-plant backup generator and a transfer-switch problem at the Neely Road pump station that they'll expedite replacing.
Council members and city staff on Feb. 2 reviewed Brevard's response to two recent winter storms and described steps to shore up utility resilience.
Fire and public-safety personnel: Fire Chief Owen said the department responded to about 64 dispatched calls during the weekend storm, mostly for downed trees and power lines, and described a severe crash on Rosman Highway. The city operated a warming station that saw limited use.
Utilities and public works: Public works/utilities manager David Todd said the water-treatment plant lost primary power but ran on a 40-year-old backup generator while a new generator is scheduled to arrive in February. Todd described an electrical "phase-to-phase" event that tripped some control equipment and was repaired, and he said wastewater operations continued without interruption.
Neely Road pump station: Todd described a transfer-switch issue at the Neely Road pump station: when Duke Energy power was restored the transfer switch sometimes did not return the station from generator power to the utility feed, requiring staff troubleshooting; a replacement quote is on hand and staff plan to expedite procurement for this expensive item.
Council reaction and next steps: Councilmembers repeatedly thanked staff and commended the work; several asked clarifying questions (for example, whether any waterlines broke — none were reported). The manager and staff said they will continue to prioritize identified upgrades, including generator replacement and the Neely Road switch, and to coordinate with DOT and other partners on road safety and materials during icy conditions.
