“Our number one priority when we took office was sewer,” said Mayor Bill Hereford. “By golly we are there. It’s something we can all be proud of.”
In 2009, the city reported 208 sewer overflows on its Municipal Water Pollution Prevention Annual Report.
“Those days are gone,” said Bryon Woods, the contract engineer for the city.
The council Monday night approved the 2011 MWPP, which showed the city only had 30 sewer overflows in early 2011, but officials say its unlikely those overflows will reoccur with the installation of the new Wolf Creek Road North lift station and additional upgrades to the city’s sewer system.
Woods said the city’s MWPP has changed from a document that sent up red flags at ADEM to a report that is probably among the best in the state.
In 2006, the city was fined by ADEM after state officials witnessed major sewer overflows from the city’s sewer system.
In accordance with a consent agreement reached between the city and ADEM, the city was required to complete certain work to eliminate sewer overflows. The city was required to complete all work outlined in the consent order by September 2012.
Woods said contract workers should complete all sewer projects within a couple of months, well ahead of the deadline.
In accordance with the consent order, ADEM could have levied daily fines between $100 and $300, if the city had not completed the required work by certain dates.
Woods said it is still possible the city could have a sewer overflow because of blockage or mechanical problem.
“Enviably you will have an overflow,” he said.
Officials said sewer overflows were caused because of heavy rain that infiltrated the sewer system. Contract workers have relined certain damaged or broken sewer lines to help prevent infiltration of rain water into the system.
Officials said the Dye Creek Waste Water Treatment Plant was also upgraded, and new larger sewer pipes and lift stations were install to better handle the flow of sewer to the waste water treatment plant.
In other matters at Monday night’s council meeting, the council:
• Approved a retail beer and wine license for CVS Pharmacy.
• Approved the low bid submitted by Mitchell & Associates for a fire department rescue tool system in the amount of $13,890.
• Readopted the city’s ordinance regarding the city manager position.
• Approved to accept four roads in the Hillstone subdivision.
• Approved a resolution to adjust the water bills for 30 customers because of the discolored water problem.
• Authorized the mayor to execute a contract for the construction of a new roof for the 19th Street Community Center. The work has already begun.
• Approved an easement behind the Senior Center for Alabama Power Company.
Contact David Atchison at datchison@dailyhome.com.
