EAST LYME, CT — East Lyme water and sewer officials have asked a consulting engineer to revise a sewer capacity study using more actual system data after raising concerns about some of the information and calculations behind the report's conclusions.
The Water & Sewer Commission discussed the study during its Aug. 25 meeting as it also reviewed planning for wastewater treatment and force main projects. Staff have received four proposals for wastewater treatment plant planning and two for a force main project between Evergreen and the wastewater treatment plant. Recommendations are expected in October.
Ben North, Chief Operating Officer for the Water and Sewer Department, said officials had met with the consulting engineer working on the sewer capacity study and raised concerns about some of its information and how conclusions were being calculated.
The engineer was asked to incorporate more actual system data and conduct a more detailed review. Another meeting is planned to consider the revisions, and officials hope to receive a final report within the next few weeks.
Public Works Director Joe Bragaw said the commission will have to report the design engineer's findings and any recommended next steps to the Board of Selectmen once the report is completed.
The study could also help determine future capital improvements. A Capital Projects Subcommittee meeting is expected to be scheduled to discuss priorities and funding for future water and sewer work.
North said the town received four proposals for wastewater treatment plant planning and two proposals for a force main project between Evergreen and the wastewater treatment plant.
Staff plan to review the proposals over the next several weeks and expect to make recommendations in October.
Planning for future wastewater system improvements is expected to take about 18 months, North said. The project will likely seek financing through the Clean Water Fund, which could provide grants or other financial assistance along with low-interest loans. Additional assistance could be available because New London qualifies for certain funding programs, according to the minutes.
North also reported that sewer flow rates had increased, largely because of rainfall.
Staff are installing additional flow meters in targeted areas to identify sources of infiltration and inflow, which occurs when groundwater or stormwater enters the sanitary sewer system. Data collection and analysis are expected to continue beyond August.
Rain has also benefited the town's water supply. North reported approximately 8.37 inches of rainfall and said water usage had reached its seasonal peak. August demand was projected at about 60 million gallons, similar to previous peak periods.
A replacement customer portal is expected before next year to provide customers with more information about their water consumption. Commissioners also discussed recent conservation measures and noted greener conditions compared with previous years.
Commission Chair Dan Cunningham reported that Phase I analysis of the former police station property had been completed. The findings will guide a Phase II engineering investigation, including an examination of underground conditions around the building.
Cunningham also reported that work in the Route 161 bridge area was nearing completion, although temporary traffic and transportation effects were expected to continue for several weeks.
North, meanwhile, reviewed the finance director's report and said finances remained essentially unchanged from the close of the previous fiscal year. Several budget transfers still need to be completed, with final transfer requests expected to go before the commission in September.
The commission unanimously approved its July 28 meeting minutes, 6-0. No members of the public commented, no billing adjustments or disputes were presented and there were no bills submitted for approval.
The meeting was held at East Lyme Town Hall, 108 Pennsylvania Ave., and ran from 7 to 7:13 p.m.
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