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Board Hears That Incorrect Screen Installation and Missed Winter Tests Hampered Plant Performance
Summary
Officials said incorrectly installed headworks screens and a missed winter performance test by the membrane cleaner (Ovivo) contributed to the Wintergreen plant’s intermittent failures; the Authority is pursuing technical fixes and accountability from contractors and suppliers.
Nelson County Service Authority directors and staff said on June 30 that incorrect installation of the fine and coarse screens at the plant’s headworks—work performed by the general contractor—has been an important contributor to membrane fouling and reduced plant performance. "There were two screens ... which had been initially installed incorrectly by English Construction, which has since fixed them to the best of the Authority’s knowledge," Justin Shimp said.
Staff also reported that Ovivo, the membrane cleaner and supplier, performed a paid cleaning (about $164,000) but did not complete the required winter performance test that would have demonstrated whether the membranes could meet ski‑season peak flows. Supervisors emphasized the need to pursue reimbursement and accountability from contractors and suppliers while staff continue diagnostic testing and consider alternative membrane products or replacements.
