City of Camdenton Explores Solutions for Camden Avenue Sewer Issues Amid Budget Challenges
In the face of persistent sewer problems plaguing the Camden Avenue lift station, city officials are actively seeking solutions to address the issue and prevent potential environmental hazards. The malfunctioning lift station, which poses a significant concern during heavy rainfall, has prompted urgent discussions within the city’s Sewer Department.
Jeff Hooker , a spokesperson for the Sewer Department, shed light on the situation during a recent statement. “We were in dire need of addressing the issues with the Camden Avenue lift station, particularly during instances of heavy rainfall like we experienced this morning,” he said. The current problems at the station trigger alarms, prompting rapid intervention by the Sewer Department’s pump trucks to avert any potential leakages.
Initially, the city had earmarked a budget of $270,000 to tackle the Camden Avenue lift station problem. The plan included the installation of a new lift station along with an overflow tank, aiming to provide a comprehensive solution. However, the situation took an unexpected turn when bids for the project came in significantly higher, at $605,000 and $680,000 respectively.
Jeff explained the predicament posed by the inflated bids. “While we could allocate a substantial amount for overtime payment to address the situation, investing nearly $680,000 in fixing the lift station seems financially unfeasible.”
In light of this budgetary challenge, the Sewer Department has shifted its focus towards identifying the root causes of the issues at hand. Jeff indicated that the problems could potentially be linked to the nearby school’s lift station. He proposed that during heavy rains, the two lift stations could be competing for a single pipe, exacerbating the problem.
To delve deeper into this hypothesis, a team led by Darren, Bill, and Billy from the Sewer Department plans to inspect the school’s lift stations. This investigation aims to uncover any contributing factors and subsequently formulate an alternative plan. One such plan could involve the creation of an additional force main line leaving the station or even the installation of a cost-effective overflow tank at Camden Avenue.
Jeff emphasized that the city is determined to find a viable solution without compromising its budget. “We’re exploring alternative options that might prove to be more economically viable than the initial proposal of $270,000,” he stated. The potential solutions would not only mitigate the current concerns but could also offer a more sustainable approach for the long term.
As the city continues to grapple with these sewer challenges, the collaborative efforts of the Sewer Department’s dedicated team stand as a testament to their commitment to environmental protection and community well-being. The ongoing investigation and proposed alternative plans are a reflection of the city’s proactive approach to problem-solving and its dedication to maintaining the city’s infrastructure in the face of unforeseen challenges.
