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Queenstown reviews sewer repairs, USDA funding steps and approves Exhibit K for WWTP closeout
Summary
Commissioners reviewed Town Engineer Robert Rauch's recommendations to line sections of collection system (estimated $85,000) to reduce inflow/infiltration and authorized payment approvals tied to WWTP closeout; the board approved Exhibit K to authorize payment to the engineer and to help close USDA funding conditions.
The Queenstown Commissioners heard detailed recommendations on sewer collection-system repairs and discussed funding steps for a proposed water tower and the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) closeout at their Nov. 28 meeting.
Town Manager/Clerk Amy Moore presented Town Engineer Robert Rauch’s evaluation, reporting that repairs including full lining on sections of Old Wharf Lane and Main Street could cost about $85,000. Moore reported Rauch's conservative estimate that completing the proposed repairs could reduce inflow and infiltration (I&I) by about 20,000 gallons per day, with greater reductions possible if additional high-flow sources are identified and addressed. The clerk also said the engineer would prepare grant applications, including to the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) and USDA Rural Development, and that completing a Preliminary Engineering Report and Environmental Report could cost roughly $20,000 because some preliminary work already exists.
In Old Business the commissioners addressed WWTP closeout: Booth reported the plant has been operational for more than a year and that USDA and MDE are pressing for closeout. The minutes show $20,000 owed to the contractor and $32,000 owed to the engineer; USDA required approval of an Exhibit K to authorize payment to the engineer. President Willis moved to approve Exhibit K contingent on invoice confirmation by the Town Attorney; the motion passed 3-0.
Why it matters: the recommended lining work and further investigation aim to materially reduce sewer system I&I, which can lower treatment costs and extend system life. USDA loan/grant awards were noted in earlier work-session summaries; further design and environmental work will be required before USDA funding can be secured.
Next steps: the engineer will prepare scope and bid documents, pursue grant applications, and the town will decide whether to fund the PER/ER work pending available funding and grant approvals. The commission approved Exhibit K to allow final payments required to proceed with USDA/MDE closeout processes.
