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Peosta staff raise concerns about wet wipes clogging lift station; pump replacement questioned
Summary
Public works reported repeated cleanings at the Red Bird lift station caused by wet wipes and other nonbreakdown items, raising doubts whether planned replacement pumps will prevent future clogs; staff will contact the low bidder for clarification and consider converting the fiberglass station to concrete to allow a solids basket.
City public works staff told the council they have had to pull the Red Bird lift station seven times for cleaning because residents are flushing wet wipes and other nonbreakdown items, and they expressed concern that the new pumps already specified may not resolve the problem.
Staff said the Red Bird station uses smaller-volume grinder pumps that are not tolerant of wet wipes and similar products; the increased frequency of solids and grease — including floating feminine products and wipes — has prompted questions about whether the planned replacement pumps will be effective. The crew discussed options including querying the low bidder about warranty/acceptance of the debris issue and, longer term, replacing the fiberglass station with a concrete station that would support a solids basket to capture debris.
Council members and staff acknowledged homeowner education had been attempted in the affected neighborhood and that additional outreach and technical solutions may both be needed. The city will contact the low bidder and report back with options and recommendations.
