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Victoria approves ARPA purchase of Godwin pump as council addresses storm-driven wastewater surge
Summary
Town Manager Rodney Newton reported storm inflows pushed daily flow from a normal 216,000 gallons to about 850,000 gallons in September; the council approved buying a Godwin pump with ARPA funds to reduce overflow risk and directed staff to pursue line-cleaning and camera inspections.
Town Manager Rodney Newton told the Town Council on Oct. 8 that heavy rain events have driven unusually large inflow into Victoria’s wastewater collection system, swelling daily influent from a typical 216,000 gallons to roughly 850,000 gallons during September.
Newton said the town has identified major inflow locations on Tidewater Avenue, Lunenburg Avenue and several points along 13th Street and will use contracted cleaners and camera inspection (Capital City Services) to evaluate whether repair, replacement or slip-lining is necessary. To manage immediate pumping needs he recommended purchasing a Godwin pump — he estimated a cost of about $43,450 — and asked to use ARPA funds for the purchase. Councilmember Johnnie Brame moved and Councilmember James G. Elam Jr. seconded the purchase; the motion carried.
Newton also reported issues with ammonia exceedances at the east plant tied to leachate accepted from Meridian Waste. DEQ reduced the town’s intake from two truckloads to one per day; Newton said leachate brings roughly $100,000 in annual revenue but that treating the material to meet permit limits will incur costs that need to be quantified and potentially shared with Meridian Waste.
Why it matters: The town’s sewer system is vulnerable to storm-related inflows that can overwhelm treatment capacity and cause overflows; buying a pump and cleaning lines are short-term risk-reduction steps while the town evaluates longer-term repairs.
What’s next: The council approved the pump purchase with ARPA funding; Newton will pursue quotes under a national contract if available, continue contracted cleaning and camera inspection work, and return with findings and cost estimates for leachate-treatment options.
