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Sewer-line hangers repaired; clarifier shaft replacement planned and nitrogen tests elevated
Summary
Staff reported that hangers on the Bridge Street sewer line were repaired but some exposed insulation remains; a new clarifier shaft has been built and installation will proceed once anchors and epoxy are ready. An October nitrification sample returned roughly 25 times higher than a July sample, prompting increased monthly testing.
At the Nov. 4 meeting the Richmond superintendent reported progress on several plant‑operation items: hangers beneath the Bridge Street sewer line have been repaired, a clarifier shaft replacement is ready and an aeration tank was cleaned at lower cost than earlier estimates.
Superintendent Steve Cody described the clarifier work: a new shaft has been built (approximately 11 feet long) and engineers advised an epoxy‑in anchored solution after the original anchor type became obsolete. "We had a completely new shaft built 11 feet long ... we're in the process of ... the ultimate cause of this was failure of a bolt that holds the bearings to the concrete," Cody said. He expects to order epoxy and reinstall the shaft as weather and temperature allow.
Staff reported the aeration tank cleaning cost about $7,000 after much of the work was done in‑house; the material removed was substantial (staff estimated roughly 24 tons removed). The clarifier will be returned to service once the shaft is installed and flow can be diverted to the aeration tank for winter.
On effluent testing, an October nitrification sample showed nitrogen levels about 25 times higher than the July quarter sample. Cody said the plant is not currently in violation under state rules for the town’s region, but the department will increase testing frequency to monthly, consult with Rural Water and follow up with engineers if levels do not improve. "We're going to once a month testing on our own just so we know," he said.
Commissioners asked for follow-up and for the clarifier and PLC (control) updates to appear on future agendas.
