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Commission hears Tilden A waterline update and superintendent operations briefing
Summary
Staff reported DWSRF approval of a step-three agreement for the Tilden A waterline replacement, pending bond-bank technical sign-off; commissioners discussed easements, bid timing and staged construction. The superintendent also reported near-complete meter installs, non-detect PAS bio-solids test results, SCADA rollout and pending influent pump bids.
At its May 19 meeting the Richmond Water and Sewer Commission received a project update on the Tilden A waterline replacement and a multi-topic operations report from the superintendent.
Tilden A waterline: staff said the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) approved the step-three agreement; technical approval from the bond bank remains pending. Staff explained easements (approximately 20) still must be secured and that construction may be staged to coordinate paving and reduce risk; they noted the commission can include a bid cancellation/re-bid clause if bid prices are unsatisfactory. Commissioners discussed timing tradeoffs — fall work may secure paving coordination and longer-lasting final topcoats but risks contractor availability and weather delays.
Operations and operations items: the superintendent reported completion progress on the last six meter installations (Harrington property, two on Pleasant Street, a church and Horton Street) and described challenges locating street shutoff valves and clarifying easement status for some properties. Staff corrected earlier meter truncation errors for larger meters and adjusted affected bills.
Bio-solids and equipment: staff reported PAS testing on biosolids returned "non-detect" across tested parameters, allowing shipment to Cassella's processing plant in Shady, New York, under current thresholds. Bids for a replacement influent pump were received and are under technical review. Champlain Associates completed stage one of the mission/SCADA system; staff requested an estimated $1,000 add-on to include pH monitoring in SCADA and discussed future chlorine-analyzer and automatic dosing additions.
Equipment repairs and procurement: staff described a rapid field replacement of a broken dewatering screw with Highway department assistance, vendor outreach at a conference (noting EJP and Core as distributors) and concerns about long lead times (e.g., meter vaults quoted at ~26 weeks). Commissioners asked staff to return with bid documents and community-outreach plans for the 20-year upgrade study in coming meetings.
Next steps: staff will return with a bid proposal for Tilden A when bond-bank approval arrives, continue easement work and present influent-pump bid recommendations at a future meeting.
