HomeMy WebLinkAbout06032020 PACAB Laydown - Doug Schoessler"20 0 (e)3 i�!>,4 GA-�s
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I would like to discuss the Sewer Lagoon on Lowell Point.
It is not operating as it should. i.e., based on what? The lagoon is meeting all permit requirements. We
do daily tests and monthly lab tests and reports to DEC.
one side of the north end of the pond is getting the right amount of air but the other cells are not.
Again, what facts are in this statement? The lagoon has sections that the wastewater passes thru for
treatment with very different air systems. The north section has Bio-Dames that were installed on the
2015 sludge removal project adding more air supply on that section making the lagoon more efficient.
Thus, this statement is untrue.
It's generating odors on a daily basis. We try to check for odors when on site each day as well as follow
up on calls. We add deodorant chemicals to try to keep smells to a minimum.
The City has not had any good engineering done since the repairs after the anaerobic problem. There
should be an assessment by an engineer trained in this type of septic lagoon. Our current consultant is a
stamped engineer very familiar with our lagoon and sewage system. This system is like many other
small municipal systems. This lagoon was designed for a population of 5000 people. We are currently
not quite half of that. Yes, in the summer we usually get many visitors but the number of people reduce
quickly in August. As population increases we will keep assessing our infrastructure needs.
We're at the beginning of the window of time for dredging under the recommended "routine
maintenance" from the last engineer/consultant. Since the 2015 sludge removal, we are required to do
yearly sludge depth tests. We currently only have about one inch of sludge in the lagoon and three
inches at some edges. This shows that the anaerobic systems (bugs) are working very well. We are
certainly aware of the recommended schedule for dredging and will continue to monitor sludge depths
to determine the appropriate schedule
Last summer there was discussion of repairs needing to be done that were never performed as far as I
know. Again, this is insinuating the writer has some knowledge of the maintenance being done. We
have completed all repairs but one to air hoses that were pulled away by ice.
The lagoon spent most of the winter frozen over, which is not normal.. True, not normal. This winter
areas in the harbor also froze over. Not normal. First Avenue creek and driveways passages froze up.
Not normal. This last winter had some different freezing conditions that we all worked through.
It should never freeze if working properly. What is the factual basis for this statement? The lagoon met
permit conditions throughout the winter despite the freezing conditions.
The city needs to put an R.F.P togetherfor a review of the current lagoon by a qualified consultant. If
the City tax payers want to pay for another study to this lagoon that is currently meeting permit
conditions.
There were three studies done by the last firm, M.L Foster, to the tune of roughly $150K. None of those
reports can be found apparently. The City Clerk contacted M.L. Foster looking to see if there are these
studies. I think she found that M.L. Foster had no record of any such study's.
The current Department head was not here for any of that or any of the problems. The City is flying
blind when it comes to this lagoon and this summer with the lack of tourism is the perfect time to deal
with any repairs or maintenance that needs to be done.
Board Member Paquette