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Crisfield public-works update: wastewater delays, plant repairs, fiber digs and wind-turbine noise
Summary
Public-works staff reported pump‑station work delayed into spring, a repaired air-compressor at the treatment plant, Simple Fiber test pits in yards with promised resident notifications, and residents' complaints about intermittent wind‑turbine shutdowns and noise; staff will obtain operator logs to explain outages.
Public-works and plant staff gave the council a multi-part operations update, covering lift-station construction, treatment-plant repairs, a broadband contractor’s test pits and recurring wind-turbine issues that have prompted resident complaints.
Jason, who briefed the council on the Hopkins and Rubber Street projects, said lift-station structures are on order but delays mean completion now stretches into April–May next year. "USDA does not give you your money until the project is done and complete," he said, explaining the need for interim credit that the council approved with Resolution No. 495.
Plant staff reported a broken oil line on an air compressor that crews fixed in-house and that they have a purchase order to rebuild the unit; staff are also seeking quotes for air-control valves to address previously noted total-nitrogen issues.
On fiber installation, staff said Simple Fiber is digging test pits to locate utilities and may enter yards; the city asked the contractor to provide advance notices and to distribute flyers so residents know when crews will be working near their homes.
Council members raised multiple resident calls about a nighttime noise in the vicinity of the wind turbine and noted the turbine has been stopping and restarting. Plant staff said contractors recently serviced contactors but that the turbine will shut down and use a protective brake in certain wind conditions, which can cause loud sounds when it stops. Staff committed to obtaining monitoring logs and alarm reports from the turbine operator to explain the production declines and high electric bills when the turbine is offline.
Public-works staff also said cold weather delayed final paving on Somerset Avenue and that crews plan to complete paving during school winter break, weather permitting; trucking for a nearby solar farm will be rerouted around paving operations.
