Water and Wastewater update November 12, 2008

The City of Oregon has had meetings with MDES with regard to the sewer main extension along Route 2 North of Oregon.  This project will be coordinated with IDOT saving the City considerable construction expense.  It has been determined that by lowering the entry into the Fair Grounds Lift Station, the proper fall will be available to install the wastewater line to the Stillman Valley National Bank.  At this point, all businesses North of Oregon can connect.  Residential wanting to connect to the sewer line will be able to by paying a set minimum fee for 6000 gallons and twice the Oregon residents fee, which could be $65 a month. 

The Special Appropriations Projects (SAP) Grant Application for the US EPA has been completed and forwarded by CMT, City engineers.   It is a compressive volume of about 100 pages covering every phase of the wastewater upgrade.  This was required to receive the $500,000 grant toward our wastewater plant improvements.  We hope that the upgrade can begin in the spring of 2009.

We will be meeting with CMT in December about a plan for the CSO’s into the Rock River and we should have a plan by the first of the year.  It is possible that a lagoon will be necessary to hold storm-water for treatment and I hope to make it compatible with our existing dog park. 

October 7th the City met with developers who plan to build a new BP service station and convenience store where the Marathon station now exists on Washington Street East.  This is a million dollar investment and will be a fine addition to the City of Oregon.

In discussion with E. D. Etnyre & Co. their plan to connect to the City sewer system is nearing completion.  Questions about City requirements are being answered and the City will be providing service at a cost of $9 per 1000 gallons for an out of City customer.  Their cost for our service will be about $1000 a month.

October 30th, MDES met with EMC about the transition of management.  It is very encouraging and I expect complete cooperation.  I informed John Wartenbe that I expect all of the existing sludge to be cleaned out before MDES takes over management, and he agreed.  The City will be purchasing and will own all computers and business machines used at the Oregon water and wastewater department.  Previously computers were provided by EMC, but it will be best if they become City Property. 

Nov 6th I met with EMC and we are in agreement on the transition and it could happen Sunday Nov 30th or prior at the discretion of Tom Glendenning our new MDES management.  It was agreed with EMC that if the sludge were not hauled before the transition date, EMC would be responsible for the expense.  I will be signing documents as to inventory, which will be supervised by Tom Glendenning and also an ethic’s agreement that the City and EMC will not beat up on one another. 

Work continues at the Settlers Ridge Subdivision and the installed water and wastewater system will be tested, and they expect curb, gutter and paving to be complete this season.