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Council hears higher cost estimates for Mount Beacon tank and wastewater aeration refurbishments
Summary
The water and wastewater departments outlined technical reasons for cost increases: the Mount Beacon tank site and easements drove added work, and an engineering update raised wastewater aeration‑tank refurbishment costs to about $3.474M; staff flagged grant pursuit and timing to align water‑main work with rail‑trail planning.
Water and wastewater department staff presented detailed project updates that will be folded into the capital program. Ed Bilicky (water) said Mount Beacon storage‑tank costs rose because topography, an existing Central Hudson easement and the need to keep the current tank online require additional site work; the project total previously estimated at about $3.3 million now needs additional funding to complete the second phase. Bilicky also described a problematic 10‑inch water main that ruptured and damaged about 300 feet of roadway and identified long‑term replacements and design phases that could be eligible for grants and engineering studies.
Dave Tavernier (wastewater chief operator) updated the council on aeration‑tank refurbishment at the wastewater treatment plant and reported an engineering‑based cost of about $3.474 million for that component, including increases in engineering, construction and inspection. He described operational inefficiencies (leaky diffusers, aerators) and noted that centrifuge/dewatering upgrades are intended to reduce hauling tonnage and recurring disposal costs. Both presenters said grant opportunities exist but prerequisites (engineering reports, alternative analyses) are often required before application.
