Queenstown officials report large scope reductions and schedule for water and sewer projects

Commissioners received multiple updates on water and sewer infrastructure, including a contractor schedule for inflow and infiltration (I&I) work and proposed scope reductions for the Water Tank & Infrastructure project aimed at lowering costs.

Town staff summarized the I&I schedule provided by the contractor: test pit work began Oct. 6; dewatering drawdown was planned for Oct. 10–14; mobilization to Friel's lot on Oct. 15; excavation to begin Oct. 20; sewer installation targeted for completion Nov. 21; paving Oct. 24–27; and final restoration Dec. 1–5, all weather permitting. Residents on Old Wharf were notified of the project.

James Cook reported potential cost‑saving changes to the Water Tank project that together could reduce scope by roughly $700,000. Specific items he cited included switching to 'local traffic only' on Main Street to avoid flaggers (estimated savings $114,000), eliminating work on Old Wharf Lane (estimated $148,000), and removing a directional drill under Route 301 (estimated $209,000). He said he expects final numbers next week and will then adjust the water‑main scope to match available funding.

On harbor water issues, George Frigon and consultant Brian Fitzgerald (Rauch) recommended hydrant flushing at Harbor Lane and Long Drive to either identify or rule out causes of the reported water quality problems; copies of the flushing plan will be provided to the water operator.

Next steps: contractor and sub‑contractors will finalize cost figures for the water tank project; staff will update commissioners once the final scope and funding alignment are known.