Crawford council orders engineering plan after water-plant corrosion and pump issues

Crawford city leaders on March 11 were briefed on multiple water-plant and sewer issues, including corrosion inside the plant, damaged equipment in transit and a near-term infrastructure project at the infiltration gallery.

Dennie Krotz, who oversees water and sewer operations, reported that crews installed three high-service pumps (one returned to the supplier after shipping damage), completed three emergency shutoffs and repaired three water leaks. He said engineers have been consulted about corrosion in the water plant and that recommendations will be presented to council later in the meeting for a phased repair plan.

Edward Blacksheep summarized the engineer’s on-site findings and said the engineering firm will draw up one-, two- and three‑year options to address wiring proximity to pipes and other corrosion drivers, offer six‑month re-evaluations and help create operating manuals for plant staff. Council discussion noted the workload exceeds current staffing and recommended adding a laborer to help with ongoing maintenance.

Separately, Krotz reviewed plans with JEO and contractors for an infiltration-gallery project, reporting proposed valve‑location adjustments and a planned start date of March 17 with completion targeted by the end of March. Krotz also noted a Hach turbidity meter service plan that expires in April and discussed temporary repairs at the sewer plant after a compressor failure while awaiting a replacement.

The council approved moving forward with engineers preparing detailed options for corrosion mitigation and operational documentation; no binding capital appropriation was recorded in the minutes pending the engineer’s proposals and cost estimates.