Council hears plan to move riverfront sewer pump stations inland to lessen storm inflow

Dave Rambo told the council two riverfront pump stations that sit close to the shore are candidates for replacement and relocation inland under grant-funded work. He said the grant also includes replacement of certain older sewer lines and storm-water-related piping that currently allows rainwater to enter the sanitary system.

Rambo described coordination with a separate railroad crossing project and said the city has asked the contractor to install two 20–24 inch sleeves beneath the tracks to allow for later installation of pipes without costly track excavation. "So we've asked them to install 2 pipes, 2 sleeves ... to go under the railroad tracks," he said. Council members pressed on timing for bids and construction; Rambo replied final funding decisions are expected in December and actual construction timing depends on grant awards and coordination with the other project's schedule.

Council members raised localized complaints about backups on Water Street and Lower South Street; staff said the pump-station and line replacements will not immediately eliminate low-flow issues but will reduce storm inflow and improve reliability once constructed.