The Soldotna City Council met on Wednesday, November 8th to discuss working alongside the utilities department to fix a wastewater project.
The ordinance would increase the appropriated estimated revenues by $714,000 in the utility fund, which would then go towards repairing a fallout pipe.
The pipe transports all of the waste from the wastewater treatment plant to the discharge point, which is the Kenai River. However, the pipe had become clogged back in April, and was no longer functioning as originally intended. After further inspection, the outfall pipe had collapsed and requires an emergency repair.
The Utility Department has been working with CRW Engineering Group to help design, bid, and inspect the construction work that will be needed for this repair.
It has been estimated that this repair can be done at a cost of $714,000.0
According to Utility Manager Michael Allen, this issue of the broken 21-inch pipe was brought up to the council for inspection, analysis and design. If this appropriation was approved, then the City would work to find a contractor to undergo this repair.
“This ordinance before you today would appropriate the funding necessary to advertise for construction. We would expect to begin the work at the most advantageous advantageous time. That’s both cost effective while prioritizing minimal impact to the environment,” said Allen.
After a vote, all 6 members were in favor of fixing the pipe.