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SALEM -- The utilities commission approved the award of the SolarBee project during its meeting last Thursday.
The sole bid for the installation of the five solar mixing pumps to combat annual algae bloom issues in the city's freshwater reservoirs, three in the East Cold Run Reservoir, and two in the Spring Valley Reservoir, was received from IXOM Water Care June 6, for $309,032 for the base bid. Benesch Engineering, which compiled the bid package, recommended the commission also approve the addition of alternate three, which would also include analytical systems for the pumps at both reservoirs for a total of $317,032, lower than the probable cost estimate of $332,000.
A representative of Benesch said that while the city was still waiting on final approval to install from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, their recommendation remained the same as in the commission's April meeting, to move forward with the project to ensure the units were in place in time to combat potential algae bloom issues this year, and address any concerns the OEPA may raise when and if they arrive rather than continuing to wait on the long-stalled final approval.
Commissioners ultimately voted to accept the bid as recommended.
Assistant Utilities Superintendent Butch Donnalley said that the cleaning of the Stewart Road water tanks by Liquid Engineering have been tentatively scheduled, noting that while the soonest time would be in August, September was more likely. Additionally, Donnalley said that all proposals and purchase orders for the project have been signed. Donnalley said that while the cleanings would not be completed before the deadline, a letter he received from Liquid Engineering confirming the tentative date had been scheduled, and the city had completed its requirements to have the tanks cleaned would satisfy the OEPA's requirements.
Progress is also continuing on plans for the Goshen Road Water line which is currently undergoing review by the Columbiana County Engineer's Office, following the implementation of the department's suggested changes. Once approval from the county has been received the plans will be sent to the OEPA for final approval and permission to install.
Progress remains stalled on the East Cold Run Reservoir dam repairs, as the department continues to await the arrival of necessary materials for the mandated installation of an air plug with a pressure gauge in an observation well at the dam. This is required by the OEPA to test for groundwater pressure prior to permitting Burgess and Niple to move forward with final engineering for the repairs.
The utilities commission will meet next 4 p.m. July 20.