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Millersburg council hears water and wastewater updates as UV plant nears startup
Summary
Town staff reported a pending interior water-tower inspection, a new geospatial alert platform for boil orders, state-mandated infrastructure reporting timelines, and that the wastewater UV system is nearly ready; council was told a pump motor failure will require an expensive repair.
Millersburg — Town staff updated the council March 25 on a series of water and wastewater items that the town expects to address this year.
Avery Ferguson, who the council credited for winning a $1,500 water apprenticeship scholarship, said the town is awaiting a quote to inspect the interior of the water tower, which should be inspected every five years. "The water tower should be inspected every five years and the town is approaching that time frame," Ferguson said.
Ferguson also described a forthcoming geospatial platform from a vendor who did work for the town; the app would alert residents to boil-water orders if they subscribe. He suggested the council consider subscribing when the product launches.
On regulatory reporting, Ferguson said the State is rolling out a program that requires periodic reports to maintain infrastructure funding eligibility: "Next year, Avery will have to complete the report on the water side. Two years after that, the report will need to be completed on the wastewater side," he said. He added the certification process for council participation was still being finalized and that online training is likely.
On wastewater operations, Ferguson reported the new ultraviolet (UV) treatment plant is nearly ready: "They are hoping to have it fired up Friday," he said, and said the clarifier cover should be installed the following week. He explained the system will operate with UV as the primary treatment while a chlorine side will remain as a backup. Tina Smith said the chemicals involved include "sulfur dioxide and chlorine." Ferguson said monthly numeric reports will be submitted to the State from plant data.
Ferguson warned of imminent repair costs after a motor failed on an aeration pump: "This is something that HAS to be repaired," he said, and noted the expense will strain the sewer operating fund.
Why it matters: The items reported affect day-to-day water safety, regulatory compliance and the town's maintenance budget. The council will need to weigh inspection and repair costs against limited utility reserves.
The council did not take a separate formal vote on the infrastructure-reporting timeline or on the water-tower inspection quote at the meeting; those items were described as pending.
