Auburn Board of Public Works (BPW) members were told Monday afternoon, Aug. 9, that work is winding down on the wastewater treatment plant.
A $147,652.31 pay request from Graham Construction was approved. David Hunter, BPW general manager, said that U.S. Department of Agriculture officials were notified that the project is at the completion stage and is ready for formal acceptance by the BPW and City Council. That will likely occur in September. Hunter said that on Monday, Aug. 23, he will ask city officials to accept the plant which will close the loan out, start the bonding process and begin utilizing grant funds.
BPW members toured the plant before the Aug. 9 meeting. Hunter said that he was impressed with the project. An open house will likely be in October, after the weather cools down.
Driveways and sidewalks are poured. Finish grading around the plant site should be completed. The fencing contractor will install the security fencing. Officials are working on some minor operational issues with the SCADA system and the chemical feed. Tests from state labs are still exceeding minimal values, so water discharged is as clean as possible. Some lab equipment was ordered to do testing onsite to keep the plant operating at peak performance and to identify problems before they get out of hand. Newly planted reeds are showing up. Some rock will be added around a few locations that were originally grass, but the space is small and to mow the areas would be inconvenient.
Water Treatment Plant
BPW members were also told that work has proceeded on the water plant. Hunter said that it has started to look like a building. A $904,163.17 pay request to Eriksen Construction was approved. Hunter said that anticipated completion date was mid-December.
Weather has cooperated more the last few weeks, which has helped with progress on the project, Hunter said. The contractor has installed the filters, poured the floor for the plant and working on exterior piping. Roof installation and inside piping will start. The radio study is completed. All of the water SCADA radio communication will be converted as part of the project. BPW staff will start installing some of the equipment in the well houses. Hunter said that once the building was covered, then the project will start to come together.
Sixth Street Sewer Projects Progress
Hunter also reported that the Sixth Street Sewer Phase I was basically completed. Clean-up work is underway. A $178,596.43 pay request from Van Kirk Bros. Contracting was approved. The final pay request should be submitted in September.
Sixth Street Sewer Phase II is completed. Officials are awaiting a final pay request from TJ Osborn. The contractor returned to rework a driveway for a customer, but the work was between the contractor and customer. There was a private agreement on some other work performed. BPW officials took a neutral position on that.
Electric Distribution Study
Garrett Klein of Olsson Associates reviewed the complete findings of the electric distribution study. Purpose of the study was to provide an evaluation of the distribution system and power plant which will help in planning for the future of the utility.
Olsson officials looked at the electrical performance of the system, including voltage, loads, losses and reliability; and the physical condition and age of the system. They worked with Hunter and BPW staff to ensure accuracy. Hunter said that there was a need to start investing into the electrical system.