Water District Matters Top Board’s Agenda
by Alex Brooks
At the August 19 Petersburgh Town Board meeting, there was a good deal of discussion about the recent spike in chlorine levels in the water from the Petersburgh Water District. It began with a summary description given by Heinz Noeding of a Water District Committee meeting held on Wednesday August 14, at which the committee discussed the episode with Deputy Water District Superintendent Adam Beaudry. Noeding said that because the new Deputy Water Superintendent had not learned the chlorination procedure used by the former Water Superintendent, too much chlorine was being added to the water, and over time the level of chlorine rose to an unhealthy level. An apparently faulty testing protocol was used during this period, which did not accurately detect the elevated chlorine level in the water. Once it was discovered last week, the chlorination procedure was adjusted and the system flushed, and by the time of the Town Board meeting the chlorine level was at its target level of .5 parts per million (ppm).
The episode disturbed a number of people at the Water District committee meeting, who were keen to make sure that such an episode did not occur again. Their concerns were first of all that a reliable method of controlling chorine in the system be implemented, second that a reliable and accurate method of testing be implemented so that the Water Operator will know in a timely fashion when chlorine levels are not at the target level of .5 ppm, and third that if any issues arise with the water being supplied by the Water District, the Town will promptly and fully inform the members of the Water District so they can make their own decisions about what to do.
At public comment period, Bob Gorgan said he found it very disturbing that chlorine levels could be rising over a three week period and the Town’s normal testing would not pick that up. He said “This should be looked into.” Supervisor Alan Webster said the County Dept. of Health is doing a “thorough review and investigation” of the episode. Tammy Dunlop then said she thought the communication from the Town about this matter was delayed, unclear, and incomplete, and she hoped that the Water District administration would commit to a more forthright policy of communication on any issue that may arise with the system in the future.
The Board also voted at this meeting (by a vote of 3-0 – Concilpersons Barnhill and Church were not present) to approve the purchase of a new pump for the chlorinator, at a cost of $1,945 plus installation labor at $125 per hour. The pump there now is said to be leaking. Webster said Water District Superintendent Jim Hurlburt has talked extensively to the Water District’s engineer Tom Suozzo about this and Suozzo approved of the purchase. Webster said he believes this pump will be compatible with the more automated system that is soon to be put in place in the Water District, and will not need to be replaced again next year when the new system is put in.
Siegfried Krahforst, chairman of the Water District committee, addressed the Board on several Water District matters. His first request was that Ben Krahforst be approved as a member of the Water District Committee, which the Board agreed to. The second was to schedule a meeting to discuss protocols for Water District bookkeeping, including keeping separate accounts for PFOA related work, grant-related work and regular Water district work, and clarify the District’s financial arrangement with the Water district Superintendent and the Deputy Water District Superintendent. Webster responded that he would like to schedule a meeting for that purpose, and will consult with all concerned to find an appropriate time to schedule that meeting.
Finally, Krahforst expressed concern about Mr. Beaudry’s availability for Water District duties when there is a snowstorm and the Highway Department is working overtime. Webster replied that it is a valid issue. He said one thing is that Jim Hurlburt would be available to respond as a backup, and another is that the Town will seek to hire extra plow drivers in the snowiest times of year so that the Highway Department doesn’t get overstretched.
Well and Meters Approved
The Board heard from Heinz Noeding that the Water District Committee had accepted the proposal from Tom Suozzo to drill a new well on the Water District property near the water tank, to serve as a backup to Well #2, and also chose the least expensive of the three alternatives presented by Suozzo for new water meters to be installed in all homes in the District. The Board approved these recommendations from the Committee, and directed Suozzo to complete final specifications for these items so that they can be put out to bid. Both are part of the grant-funded water system renovation.
Harvest Festival
The Board approved a Harvest Festival proposal presented by Kolin Buzerak. It is planned as a joint project of the Petersburgh Library and Starry Ridge Farm. The Festival is planned for Saturday October 5 from 11 am to 6 pm, and will include vendors selling local produce and the work of local artists and artisans, as well as vendors of food and beverages (Brown’s Brewery is expected to participate). Also planned are free fresh-pressed cider, yoga activities, kids games and live music. It will be held in the municipal parking lot between the Town Hall and PVMCC. Overflow parking will be at the Petersburgh Baptist Church, if necessary. The organizers hope to attract as many as 300 people to the event.
New Library Director
The Board appointed Anita Wilson as the new Director of the Petersburgh Library.
Highway
The Board had only one bid to replace and repair the overhead doors on the Town Highway garage. The specs asked the contractor to supply and install one new door (these are large doors, about 16’ wide and 14’ high), and to use panels from the old door to repair the other two doors. The bid was submitted by Overhead Door of Glens Falls, and was for $6,895 including labor. The Board accepted this bid.
Highway Superintendent Ray Harrison was not present, but Webster said he is expecting Peckham Materials to come do this year’s CHIPS paving next week. New paving will be done on Armsby Road, Coon Brook Road, and part of the far end of Potter Hill Road, and Broken Wheel Road will be chip-sealed.