Bowden town council has voted to hire an engineering company to begin the process of replacing its north sewage lift station.
During its June 27 meeting, council voted to hire the town's longtime engineering firm, Tagish Engineering Ltd., to prepare documents for replacement of the north lift station based on going to public tender for its construction. That includes engineering, tendering and costs for the project.
An initial estimate pegs the cost of replacing the lift station, including engineering, tendering and project costs at between $600,000 and $700,000.
That decision came after council received a report from chief administrative officer James Mason.
In his report, Mason said, “at present, one of the pumps in the lift station routinely sets its breaker to the off position and has to be reset on a daily basis.
“Inspection of the station has revealed that it is not up to current regulations and presents hazards to those entering the building.”
Councillors weren't sure how old the current north sewage lift station is, but figured it dates back to the late 1970s or early 1980s.
Mason outlined five options for council to consider in order to solve the problem, ranging from hiring a contractor to repair the pumps and electrical as required at a cost of $289 an hour, (he pegged that overall cost as “unknown”), to replacing the entire lift station.
Mason noted currently, $240,000 is set aside in the town's capital budget for work on the north lift station. He said council could perhaps wait another year in anticipation of receiving more money for such work.
However, Coun. Wayne Milaney suggested waiting a year is not a very palatable option.
“Well, what do you do if it goes down? What does half the town do with their sewers,” he asked. “It's bad enough when you turn the tap on and you've got no water, because you can get some bottled water. But when it doesn't flush…”
Milaney, who works in the construction industry, said the town could likely borrow the necessary money at an interest rate of about 2.5 per cent.
Mason said it's his understanding sewage lift pumps are generally expected to last about 20 years.
“It's been in there for almost 40 (years),” Coun. Sandy Gamble said.
Coun. Earl Wilson questioned whether the lift station was even needed.
“Well, when it was being built it probably wasn't needed. But now, everything drains that way. The storm (sewers), the sanitary (sewers) have been put in that way,” Mayor Robb Stuart said.
Councillors also pointed out that the new sewage lift station would be serving the proposed new community hall.
Stuart expressed concern that the town might end up with a Cadillac lift station. He said that happened when they had other work done.
“All the add-ons were Cadillac items, not Chevys that were just as functional,” he said.
“Well, based on the design, plans and specifications, they'll have to perform according to that,” Milaney replied.
"What do you do if it goes down? What does half the town do with their sewers? It's bad enough when you turn the tap on and you've got no water, because you can get some bottled water. But when it doesn't flush..."WAYNE MILANEYBOWDEN TOWN COUNCILLOR
