Southington Sewer Deal Doesn't Smell, Manager Says

SOUTHINGTON, CT — Work to ensure the town's sewage flows freely has been approved by the Southington Town Council, as the board voted recently to hire a company to rehab multiple pump stations in town.

And, town officials said, it's coming at a cost figure less than anticipated given the way inflation is wreaking havoc in the construction trade.

The council unanimously voted June 13 to hire Torrington-based C.H. Nickerson Co. to rehabilitate and modernize sewer pump stations at Old Turnpike, Patton Brook and Judd Brook.

Pump stations help collected wastewater make its way through the sewer system en route to the town's wastewater treatment plant.

According to the town's website, pump stations are generally required to help wastewater navigate hills on its way for treatment.

Modern and well-maintained pump stations are seen as critical for good sewer system operations.

C.H. Nickerson was hired at a bid of $3.3 million, the lowest of four bids submitted by contractors May 5.

Southington Town Manager Mark J. Sciota noted at the council meeting the bid also includes a 5 percent contingency element, meaning there is cash in place equal to that amount should the project experience cost overruns.

He said the final bid awarded was higher than originally planned, a byproduct of the rapid inflation besieging the construction industry.

Sciota said, originally, town officials were expecting the pump station project to cost $2.8 million.

That said, Sciota indicated it could have been worse and the $3.3 million figure was lower than could be expected in light of inflation.

"It wasn't as bad as I feared," Sciota said.

With everything finalized, construction can now begin and much-needed renovation work on the pump stations can improve sewer system operations.

"That will now put us in a very good position," Sciota said.

For the initial bid advertisement for the project, click on this link.

To watch the June 13 Southington Town Council meeting, click on this link.

For the minutes of the June 13 Southington Town Council meeting, click on this link.