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Hubbard public works flags aging wastewater clarifier; repair estimated at $185,000
Summary
Public works staff told the council the wastewater clarifier’s inner assembly is failing and will require removal and replacement work, including crane rental and bearing replacement, at an estimated cost of about $185,000; the department also outlined staffing and certification needs for wastewater operations.
The Hubbard public works superintendent reported to the council that major maintenance at the wastewater treatment plant will require substantial work: the clarifier’s inner-scraper/central assembly is broken and must be removed and repaired, a job staff estimated at about $185,000.
Speaking with the council, the superintendent explained the clarifier’s inner assembly (the rotating arm used during maintenance) is not operating and requires a crane to remove the arm, replacement of the center bearing, repair of the inner scraper assembly and reassembly. "That is about a $185,000 job to do that," the superintendent said.
Staff also discussed several related operational matters: the need to develop utility-worker classifications and to move more employees toward a grade-3 wastewater operator level to reduce single-point operational risk; upcoming bid openings for a water-system project with a six-month extension period for use of funds to accommodate programming and automation testing; and ongoing hydrant flushing and filter maintenance to address rusty/oxidized water issues.
The superintendent described the automation work for the water project as a critical risk area because programming must run error-free for 14 straight days after installation; any error requires a restart of that 14-day acceptance period, which the six-month extension is intended to accommodate. Staff said the clarifier work will be funded from the sewer fund and noted the clarifier is roughly 50 years old, making replacement and maintenance an urgent operational matter.
Councilors thanked staff for their work and asked staff to continue to prioritize safety and staffing continuity while executing repairs and grant applications for other street and park projects.
