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Council hears details on Chautauqua water-looping project; engineer says grant chances are high
Summary
OHM engineer Jason Popiel presented a plan to connect two dead-end water lines through the park using HDD-bored HDPE pipe, citing improved water quality and firefighting redundancy; rough cost estimates are $880,000–$906,000 with an 80/20 grant split (about $725,000 grant / $181,000 local share).
Council members heard a detailed presentation on the proposed Chautauqua Water Looping Project on Feb. 2, 2026 aimed at addressing stagnant water in dead-end lines, improving water quality and providing redundancy for firefighting.
Jason Popiel, an engineer with OHM Advisors, described a plan to connect the dead-end systems that feed the Chautauqua subdivision and Church Street by installing an underground, horizontally‑drilled HDPE (high‑density polyethylene) pipe through the park. Popiel said HDPE would be fused to create a joint‑free line with an expected lifespan of 100–125 years and that the boring method would minimize disturbance to surface features, including trees. He emphasized that no preliminary engineering had been done and that design, surveying and soil borings would begin only after funding is secured.
Popiel presented rough cost estimates between $880,000 and $906,000 and said a typical 80/20 grant split would place the village’s share near $181,000 and the grant portion near $725,000. He said Silver Lake’s district‑level Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) application was declined this cycle but that OHM will resubmit at the small‑government level where the village ranks highly; he estimated the likelihood of receiving small‑government funds as high. Popiel also said the small‑government grant cannot be used until July 2027 but the project schedule could be pushed back if necessary.
Council discussed alternatives and local benefits: Mayor Dunphy noted the proposal could also allow installation of a grinder pump during construction to control street discharge on Chautauqua; Service Director Ben Gregory explained the plan could add a hydrant nearer the service department to reduce long‑distance fills that have affected water quality elsewhere. Council members asked about valves, route alternatives using Kent Road lots and whether the pipe could pass through flood‑plain areas; Popiel confirmed valves at both connections, acknowledged earlier designs that left some lots without redundancy and said HDPE could be routed through wet areas with appropriate design work.
Council asked for a rough map; Popiel agreed to share the drawing submitted with the grant application and the drawing will be attached to the minutes. Further engineering will depend on grant approval and subsequent funding.
