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Good Thunder council hears progress and workmanship concerns on phosphorus removal project; payment withheld
Summary
Council heard updates about the ponds' phosphorus removal project, including contractor workmanship concerns, an equipment malfunction, a withheld payment of about $10,000, and plans to discharge after Nov. 1 pending lab tests; staff said dosing will be adjusted based on results.
Council members and staff spent significant time on the sewage-pond phosphorus removal improvement project, where recent work has put the new chemical-dosing system into operation but prompted concerns about contractor workmanship and damaged components.
Staff said the new system is operational but that some installation work required rework after issues with a contractor who used a lower-cost vendor. A transformer inside a unit was damaged during installation and will be replaced; staff said the vendor apologized and will return to make repairs. The city is withholding roughly $10,000 from a recent pay estimate to ensure punch-list items are completed.
Officials described the peristaltic chemical pumps and level sensors installed at the pond, with staff noting manufacturer recommendations for winter maintenance to prolong pump life. The council discussed whether to construct a small building for security and weather protection; staff said a minimal rain shield is the regulatory minimum, but a building would better protect $4,900 pumps and other equipment.
On timing, staff said the city intends to wait until after Nov. 1 to begin discharges to avoid additional E. coli (coliform) testing applicable during recreation season. They will sample discharge phosphorus through the state lab and adjust chemical dosing based on lab results. "If I get a number back that is super low like one or two parts per million I'll say maybe I can decrease my chemical addition," the staff member said.
Council did not adopt new policy at the meeting; staff plans continued oversight, vendor follow-up, and retention of withheld funds until outstanding installation and calibration items are corrected.
