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Council opts for underground electrical service for ENR wastewater upgrade after cost review
Summary
Engineers reported the ENR upgrade design is ~90% complete and recommended an underground three‑phase electrical feed to avoid large overhead costs; the council voted unanimously to pursue the underground option, subject to county easement approvals and Delmarva Power fees.
KCI engineer Dan String told the Trappe Town Council that the design phase for the town’s enhanced nutrient removal (ENR) wastewater treatment plant is about 90% complete but that the plant’s present electrical supply is insufficient for the upgrade. KCI presented two options for three‑phase service: an overhead line following the right‑of‑way with an estimated cost of $750,000–$1,000,000 and no easements required, or an underground line that would require an easement from Talbot County to access the Home Run Baker property and an estimated payment of $108,000 to Delmarva Power (conduit installation costs excluded).
Mr. String stated that the expense should be eligible for reimbursement under the Maryland Department of the Environment grant. Town Attorney Lyndsey Ryan said she has contacted Talbot County and that the county requested KCI prepare an easement exhibit for review; County Parks Board and County Council approvals would also be required. After discussion, Commissioner Michael Sullivan moved to proceed with the underground option and Commissioner Walter Chase seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
Council members did not provide a final construction contract at the meeting; staff will prepare easement exhibits and pursue the county approval steps before final installation. The council recorded the unanimous vote in the meeting minutes.
