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Council hears report of major mechanical failure at Iowa Park wastewater plant; repairs may top $1M
Summary
Public Works Director reported twisted and broken rake structure, a suspected bearing failure, a major air leak reducing system capacity by about half, and other damage; staff said repairs and temporary treatment options could each exceed $1 million and may require a special meeting.
The Iowa Park City Council heard a detailed report on July 28 from Public Works Director Mike McCarty about mechanical failures at the municipal wastewater treatment plant discovered July 15.
McCarty said the plants rake structure was twisted and broken after the torque tube stopped and the bridge continued to move; staff believe a bearing failure in the torque tube caused the damage. The minutes state contractors found a large air leak on the main supply line that is "losing approximately half of the air pressure and volume," a hole in the scum box, and rotten scum-box piping. Staff is in contact with Walker Process, the plant builder, and other firms to obtain repair estimates expected in a week to ten days.
Council members were told that repairs will likely exceed $1M and that a temporary wastewater treatment solution could be needed for up to 12 months and may also exceed $1M. The minutes record that staff may call an emergency meeting once cost estimates are available and that the City Manager will check with the city attorney about stopping the remodel of the new City Hall because the Notice to Proceed had been signed.
