City makes decision to upgrade existing water treatment plant
Staff reporter
Two phases of upgrades to the Marion water treatment plant were approved Monday by Marion City Commission.
The commission was faced with various options regarding water treatment plant upgrades. The complicated issue was discussed with information provided by the city's engineers.
David Mayfield, city administrator, reported the City of Hillsboro would not be able to confirm a price until February for water distribution to Marion customers.
Both mayor Martin Tice and commissioner Larry McLain agreed the city couldn't wait that long and it was time make a decision. Commission Jim Crofoot was absent.
Phase one that was approved was the original upgrade the city was considering at an estimated cost of $800,000.
These upgrades would include a chlorine contact basin, disinfection modifications, filter rehabilitation, turbidity monitoring, and chemical feed improvements.
Phase two would upgrade the plant to a multi-barrier disinfection system using ozone, ultraviolet lighting, and chlorine.
Engineers Scott Wetzel and Chad Lawson of Bucher, Willis & Ratliff Corporation provided information to the commission regarding the options.
Wetzel said ozone disinfection would not leave possible harmful byproducts in the water like free chlorine does, which is what the city currently is using.
"Free chlorine is the worst disinfection to use," Wetzel said.
The major ozone benefit is neutralization of blue-green algae toxins.
Other benefits are elimination of harmful chemicals and acids, elimination of taste and odor problems, improved killing of bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and cysts, and it oxidizes iron, manganese, and sulfur compounds.
Disadvantages Wetzel noted were the costs of the equipment and operations. He also warned that future regulations may not be met with ozone method.
Ultraviolet light has no chemical additives or byproducts, removes TOC (total organic carbon) and ozone byproducts, and neutralizes blue-green algae toxins.
It was noted that KDHE has not approved ultraviolet treatment but would consider it if a pilot plan indicates it can produce quality and safe drinking water.
Combined chlorine or chloramines reduces disinfection of byproducts, and is needed for residual.
Tice said some experts have said ozone is going to be just as bad as what the city currently uses. Wetzel replied that each water treatment plant was unique.
"Five years ago, there was only one water plant in Kansas with ozone," Wetzel said. "It's the wave of the future."
Wetzel and Lawson cited Emporia, Council Grove, and Wichita as having ozone systems.
Tice asked if a plant didn't use ozone then what system was used? Wetzel said combined chlorines (chloramines) or ultraviolet light.
"New plants are putting in membrane technology," Wetzel said. "Existing plants are retrofitting ozone or ultraviolet."
The commission also approved minor upgrades previously recommended by Kansas Rural Water Association. These upgrades will require minimal cost and should be completed by January 2005, the recommended deadline by Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
If the upgrades cannot be completed by the January deadline, KDHE has assured the city in previous meetings as long as action is being planned, the city would not be cited for noncompliance.
Mayfield suggested the commission approve the first phase and wait two weeks to decide on the second phase. By then Mayfield will have answers from USDA Rural Development regarding the city's loan/grant application and other information from the engineer could be obtained.
Tice and McLain were adamant about making a decision and moved forward with the motion.
A pilot plan or study will be conducted to verify improvements that will achieve the desired results. Wetzel estimated those costs to be several thousand dollars.
The engineers will provide a scope of work to the commission within the next two weeks with timelines and cost estimates.
A total cost estimate of phase two of the upgrades was not determined.
Wetzel estimated it would be eight months before phase one of the project was actually started. He also recommended the commission consider applying for a Community Development Block Grant to offset costs for phase two. The maximum amount of the grant is $400,000. The grant application is due in October of each year with awards being announced by December or January.
Mayfield also reminded the commission the city's application with Rural Development was "still on the table."
Previously the city was told grant funds of up to 45 percent may be awarded for the cost of a pipeline from the plant to Nighthawk Road or water plant improvements, whichever was less. Mayfield said he would make contact with the agency to determine the amount that would be allowed.
The city also has been approved for a KDHE loan.
In other business:
— Mayfield reported a representative from the KMEA (Kansas Municipal Energy Agency) suggested the city move forward with a proposed contract with Westar Energy. The contract will be presented at a January meeting with a Westar Energy representative in attendance, Mayfield said.
— Marty Fredrickson, city building inspector, reported the owner at property at Denver and Freeborn streets had acquired the necessary permits to make improvements to the house. The commission had given the owner until Jan. 1 to complete improvements to avoid condemnation and demolition.
— October investment and collateral reports and financial statement were approved.
— Warrants in the amount of $19,478 were approved.
— City offices will be closed Thursday and Friday for observance of Thanksgiving Day.
