A MOTION TO APPROVE a contract with Beta Group, Inc., to provide engineering services to perform a supplemental infiltration and inflow (I/I) investigation within the Congdon Street Pump Station tributary area and perform a desktop review of the Town's northern sewer service areas to identify locations that may warrant future investigation, in the amount of $127,725.00.
On March 19, 2012, the Town Council awarded a bid through a competitive procurement process to Beta Group, Inc., to conduct a Sewer System Evaluation Survey (SSES) on excessive flows associated with infiltration and/or inflow (I/I) to the Congdon Street pump station, which services the southeastern portion of the Pier area. The detailed SSES included pipe televising, smoke testing, dye testing, and home inspections, to provide documentation of the sources of I/I and recommendations for remediation. The final report was issued in October 2015, however, the survey data was incomplete due to inability to obtain permission to access properties to conduct home inspections.
The Town has completed some recommended remediation items, conducted additional home inspections when access has been granted, and continues to pursue remaining properties, but permission to access private properties stands as a major challenge to completing the work recommended in the 2015 SSES final report, and excessive I/I remains within the Pier area, which is a significant issue for the Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility and a noted concern of our regional partners, the University of Rhode Island and Town of South Kingstown, with respect to the Town's flow contribution to the Regional treatment facility. Additionally, RIDEM requires bi-annual reporting on I/I conditions and remediation progress under the Town’s RIPDES permit.
The original survey data and report are over 10 years old and should be re-evaluated to identify changes within the study area and confirm or update the conclusions and recommendations as necessary to reflect current conditions so that we can address the Regional WWTF concerns and comply with RIDEM reporting and remediation requirements. Beta developed a proposed scope of work and provided a cost proposal to review and update the SSES for the Congdon Street pump station service area and also to conduct a preliminary evaluation for the northern sewer system to establish recommendations for potential further I/I investigations outside of the Congdon Street pump station service area. The total cost of this work is $127,725.00.
Funding is available in the Wastewater Enterprise Fund Capital Projects Accounts:
#0032 50630, Inflow & Infiltration Project
#0032-50631, Inflow & Infiltration Rem
#0032-50704, Other Capital Improvement.