Water and wastewater update

June 11, 2009

MDES began cleaning our digester by having a company with a sludge press dewater our solids.  It has been found that 80% of our aeration diffusers are plugged and they are not operating.  We will not make repairs, but will find a way around the problem temporarily.  This system is being replaced with the upgrade and money spent on the existing system will be wasted. 

The IEPA has given Oregon an exception with some of the Facility Plan requirements and a newspaper notice was all that is required.   This saves the City considerable time and expense of not requiring a public hearing.   The City is becoming much closer to starting the wastewater upgrade.  The City received verification that the STAG grant for $477,000 has been applied to the wastewater plant upgrade.  The City has signed the Grant Agreement and we can expect Loan approval and stimulus funding within the next few weeks.  The Mayor also signed a letter requiring the City of Oregon to raise fees for the wastewater upgrade if necessary, and it will not be necessary.  The City will be asked to pass an ordinance to adjust water and wastewater fees annually to the Utility Cost of Living Index.

MDES will have an engineer mapping our water and wastewater system this summer, and he will be using a four-wheeler with monitoring equipment mounted on the vehicle.  As suggested by Police Chief Darin DeHaan, we will have a notice in the newspaper prior to the beginning of the operation, explaining that the recreational equipment is not being used for recreation.  GSI mapping could begin the second week in June.

The City experienced some problems with the hydrant flushing and a hydrant on Jefferson Street will be replaced.   We have a list of problem hydrants and they will be replaced as funding is available.   The department is purchasing a cone shaped diffuser for hydrant flushing, and we will be purchasing new hydrants for the one broken and one for stock in case of emergencies.

Jetting and root removal of our sewer mains has begun and work on problems areas will be addressed first. Most of the work this summer will be in the South end of Oregon.  I had a demonstration of the root cutter on Clay Street and with one pass a five- gallon pail full of root chips were removed. 

The department is addressing problems with the Nursing Home and the 10th Street lift station, replacement of the school water meters, and the changes in our Codes and Ordinances with regard to City and Homeowner responsibility.  We will also be presenting an ordinance for annual cost of living increase to water and sewer billing.

We had a water main break May 27th at 9th and Jefferson.

We have coordinated the planned monitoring equipment for our wells and reservoirs with the new construction of the wastewater upgrade.  MDES is working with CMT to make sure all equipment is compatible.  We may require an antenna tower at the City Hall.

Layne and Western are now testing our wells for the annual inspection.

Hydrant Flush

Spredder