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Bronaugh works to finalize water project
Nevada Daily Mail
Sediment in Bronaugh's water is causing problems for many Bronaugh residents with old pipes. That problem is coming closer to a resolution. Monday night, Mike Logston, a Barlett and West engineer, presented plans to the Bronaugh Board of Aldermen with his company's proposed solution to improving the water system.
"I think there will be a noticeable improvement when we get that stuff out of the water before it gets into the system lines," Logston said.
The plans include a new roof for the pump house and widening the entrance for two doors. The plans will move the chlorine room inside the pump house and seal the room with a concrete block wall.
"We'll move everything in under one roof," Logston said. "We've got the specifications on just about everything, the equipment, the pumps, the aerator. We're still putting together some information on the electrical controls, but things are coming together."
In addition to the improved pump house and new equipment, Logston pointed out the water in Bronaugh's new well is slightly alkaline, with a pH of 8.3.
"When you have a higher pH, it's a little more difficult to get the hydrogen-sulfide to come out," he explained. "The aeration will still remove a large percentage of it. We're looking into feeding a little acid at the well to lower the pH just enough to help with the removal of the hydrogen-sulfide. It's not going to have any impact on the safety or the drinkability of the water, but it will enhance the removal efficiency. We're going to look and see what kind of a cost would be involved."
Once the plans are complete, Logston said he will bring them back before the aldermen at their next meeting in February and then send them to DNR for project approval.
"I fully expect this will be finished this summer," he said. "I don't think the construction will take that long."
On an unrelated note, Mayor Sherry Brown asked Logston if sewer lagoons were on the state chopping block.
"DNR will not come out and say they are trying to get rid of lagoons," he said. "But the limits of what you can discharge to the streams are getting more and more restrictive. The typical lagoon will not meet these new standards."
Gary Laudermilk, Bronaugh water and wastewater treatment operator, explained since the town's lagoon is twice its needed size, the discharge tests well below the DNR requirements. The aldermen agreed Bronaugh's lagoon should be fine for the time being.
In other business, the aldermen looked over and passed the quarterly report and the final 2014 budget.
In the treasurer's report, the general fund gained $2,220, the water fund gained $874 and the sewer fund gained $267. Gallons of water lost was 11.99 percent.
Brown reminded the aldermen to spread the word that Ozark Mobile Food Harvest, which serves Sheldon and Bronaugh, needs donations.