Update March 16, 2011

During routine inspection department workers noted a malfunctioning pump at the 10th Street Lift Station.  After disassembling the pump, considerable debris was found and removed.  The department has problems deciding how to prevent wastewater users from allowing debris from entering our system. 

February 15th there was a water main break at 7th and Adams, and we have been lucky this year with only two breaks this winter.

There was a malfunction of our only operating blower motor at the under-construction blower building and City Employees with the help of Sjolstrom changed out the damaged equipment.

The City has informed MDES to not pursue the DOCE grant for the East-side storm-water drains because the City part of the funding is not available at this time.  The project has been tabled until later in the year when funding can be planned.

Phase 2 of the GIS mapping of City water and sewer mains is now complete, and the department has books of maps and a computer CD’s of the complete system.  Phase 3 will include all manhole specifications.  The system will be updated every three months and equipment will be supplied by MDES for our future locations and changes.

The loss of un-metered water has gone from 40% two years ago, to 30% one year ago and is now 23%.  The installation of new water meters that replace worn out meters is making the difference.  The leak detection information provided by the new meters is a valuable tool when explaining high water-bills.  The City is now at the halfway point with new meters, and replacement will continue, as funding is available.  The $160,000 for the installed 800 radio read water meters has been paid for from water department fees.

The last test of our wells indicates a high Radium reading at well #2 at City Hall.   This has happened to our wells before, and it will require additional testing before action might be necessary.  Well house #2 requires complete structure replacement and a plan will include corrective measures should it be necessary.  This is our oldest well and it has served our City well.  It was in July during an extremely dry summer when we had maintenance on well #3 in progress and a pump failure at well #4, that well #2 was able to provide all the water necessary to keep our two reservoirs full.  The City of Oregon can operate with one well and we have four, including the standby well #5 on Daysville Road.

Progress on the wastewater upgrade has been at a standstill and with weather improving work has begun and the project is in full swing starting March 14th.  What complicates this project is that most sewer plant improvements are complete replacements and when they shut down the existing plant, they start up the new plant.  Our project involves upgrading existing equipment while continuing to provide complete service.  There is a six week window to complete all of the work necessary and it is going to be important that everyone involved complete their work as planned.  This project is closely observed by the Environmental Protection Agency and the necessary permits require special rules and regulations.  Because of the weather conditions and time restrictions, the City is acquiring additional expense not anticipated, but when considered with the overall savings of this construction project, it is a definite advantage to the City.  The City is going to complete this project with the funds that are available even if it should require some short-term borrowing.  The 7% cost to the City for our share of the upgrade construction expense has been $202,578.69 paid for from the department Capital Improvement Fund.  This unexpected expense has been a drain on the financing plan for the wastewater upgrade, but I do not anticipate any additional funding at this time.

The plan to start-up the new equipment and shut down our existing equipment was March 16th.  Sludge dewatering is in operation and all sludge must be removed by Monday March 28th when construction on the package plant will begin. The project must be completed by April 29th.  With time extensions because of delays in construction and bad weather, the completion date is June 23rd. 

Considerable work has been accomplished during this harsh weather.  The SSM building is near completion and they installed equipment in the Influent Station.  The lab has the drywall installed and electrical work is complete.  Blowers are being replaced in the Blower building and electricians are installing panel boxes in the Blower building and the original 1938 structure.  The structures at the wastewater plant that were constructed in 1938 and 1965 are of excellent construction and will served the City into the indefinite future.  The new construction is being done with the same long life intention. 

Engineers are working on a plan to replace the piping from the blower building to the package plant.  There are leaks in the buried pipe and it runs under the building and should be abandoned.   The new pipe will require additional expenditures.

At the March 14th Council Meeting, it was unanimously voted to discontinue the services of MDES as the Oregon Water and Wastewater management.  The fees necessary to continue the relationship were to high and the City could no longer afford their services.  The City will be hiring City employees to do the work necessary.

Work on the Influent Station

Mixing Station

Watering Process

Clarifier

Cannibal Filter