According to a report, smoke testing of the town's sewer system in April revealed more than 50 leaks in pipes or connections. Engineers also discovered several manholes had been buried or paved over.
PRATT, W.Va. -- Fixing all the problems with Pratt's improperly maintained water and sewer systems could carry a price tag of about $2.5 million.
According to an engineering study by Triad Engineering in St. Albans, repairs and upgrades to the town's water plant and water lines could cost almost $1.4 million. Town officials can expect to spend about another $1.2 million for repairs and upgrades to the sewer system.
Jack Ramsey, utility group manager for Triad, said town officials commissioned the company to study Pratt's water and sewer systems in 2006. Triad was called back earlier this year, after officials for the state Division of Environmental Protection ordered the town to correct defects in the sewer system that were allowing raw sewage to escape into the environment.
According to a report compiled by Triad, smoke testing of the town's sewer system in April revealed more than 50 leaks in pipes or connections. Engineers also discovered several manholes had been buried or paved over.
Ramsey said it was not unusual to find covered up manholes in sewer systems, but the manholes must be cleared to allow access.
Despite a number of leaks, "Their sewers aren't in horrible shape," Ramsey said.
But Pratt's sewer pump stations are. According to the engineering study, pumps in all three sewer pumping stations in town need replaced. Some of the pumps are undersized, allowing raw sewage to back up and seep into the environment during periods of hard rain.
PRATT, W.Va. -- Fixing all the problems with Pratt's improperly maintained water and sewer systems could carry a price tag of about $2.5 million.
According to an engineering study by Triad Engineering in St. Albans, repairs and upgrades to the town's water plant and water lines could cost almost $1.4 million. Town officials can expect to spend about another $1.2 million for repairs and upgrades to the sewer system.
Jack Ramsey, utility group manager for Triad, said town officials commissioned the company to study Pratt's water and sewer systems in 2006. Triad was called back earlier this year, after officials for the state Division of Environmental Protection ordered the town to correct defects in the sewer system that were allowing raw sewage to escape into the environment.
According to a report compiled by Triad, smoke testing of the town's sewer system in April revealed more than 50 leaks in pipes or connections. Engineers also discovered several manholes had been buried or paved over.
Ramsey said it was not unusual to find covered up manholes in sewer systems, but the manholes must be cleared to allow access.
Despite a number of leaks, "Their sewers aren't in horrible shape," Ramsey said.
But Pratt's sewer pump stations are. According to the engineering study, pumps in all three sewer pumping stations in town need replaced. Some of the pumps are undersized, allowing raw sewage to back up and seep into the environment during periods of hard rain.
Repairs to the pump stations alone comes to more than $160,000. The study also recommends more than $370,000 in repairs and upgrades to the town's sewer plant.
Recommended repairs and upgrades to the sewer system come to about $690,000. Engineers believe it will cost another $550,000 just to repair the problems ordered fixed by DEP officials.
Ramsey also said town officials need to make about $1.4 million in repairs to the town's water plant and water system. He said the town needs to replace some water lines and replace other lines with larger pipe.
Construction estimates include about $925,000 to replace, add or fix water lines, valves and hydrants and about $258,000 for repairs and upgrades inside Pratt's water plant. Ramsey said the bill would include replacing old and obsolete equipment.
Ramsey said the repair estimates only include the facilities and water and sewer lines within the town of Pratt. The study did not include sewer lines for the Upper Kanawha Valley Public Service District, which is served by Pratt's sewer plant.
Town officials don't have the money necessary to make all the repairs. Pratt Town Council recently agreed to a 50-year management agreement to allow the Chelyan Public Service District to run the town's sewer system.
Town officials are also expected to meet with representatives of West Virginia American Water Co. to talk about the possibility of turning over control of the town's water system to the larger organization.
Reach Rusty Marks at rustyma...@wvgazette.com or 304-348-1215.
Post a comment