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Public works reports pump failures and a likely $60,000 DES lead‑service‑line grant; Central Street project delayed to spring
Summary
Public works staff reported relay and capacitor failures at local pump stations and that an attempted directional drill on the Central Street extension hit an obstruction; crews plan to resume in spring. Staff also applied for a DES lead‑service‑line investigation grant (~$60,000) to pothole and map materials and reported a favorable DES response.
Jeff (recorded in the minutes as a staff presenter) reported operational problems at multiple wastewater pump stations — including a relay/ejector issue on Bristol Hill and a capacitor failure at Pleasant Street — requiring daily manual checks and some emergency interventions. Contractors were called in for repairs; the Pleasant Street pump is back in service but staff continue monitoring site work and related grinder maintenance.
Project timing and grant work: The Central Street line extension attempt encountered obstructions during directional drilling; engineers developed an alternate route and the extension is now planned for spring. Jeff said the town applied for a DES lead‑service‑line investigation grant (approximately $60,000) to fund potholing and targeted excavation to confirm service materials. He reported that DES had indicated the town was likely to receive the grant and that the town intends to use vacuum excavation/water‑jet techniques to limit disturbance.
Contamination and remediation note: Jeff updated the board on a recent oil spill in which crews skimmed oil and took samples; some sample results exceeded permitted discharge limits and remediation steps are pending DES direction. He said the contractor paid for initial cleanup and staff are awaiting DES guidance on next steps.
Next steps: Public works staff will follow the engineered route for Central Street in spring, proceed with grant‑funded investigations if DES award is confirmed, and return with specific schedules and cost estimates. The board asked staff for mapping and training for new staff once data are collected.
