The City of Washington Board of Public Works meeting on November 26, 2024, focused on updates regarding wastewater management and infrastructure improvements. Key discussions included the status of equipment orders, ongoing projects, and future plans for the wastewater treatment facilities.

During the meeting, officials reported that essential equipment is on order, although parts for pumps are expected to arrive in approximately three weeks, while a belt press rebuild will take about 18 weeks due to delayed parts. Despite these setbacks, operations at the treatment plant are continuing smoothly.

A significant topic was the condition of the drying bed used for sludge storage. The existing structure, built in 1963, has a collapsed drain field that is no longer functioning properly. Plans are in place to redesign the drying bed with a sloped floor and a new drain trough to ensure proper drainage into the influent wet well. However, the project is contingent on the city's revenue generation.

The board also discussed the recent heavy rainfall, noting that there were no complaints from residents regarding sewage overflow, indicating that the system is functioning adequately. The stability of flow at the Wallace Street Lift Station has improved, suggesting that previous flow issues have been addressed.

Looking ahead, the Missouri Rural Water Association will conduct an apprenticeship program in March to train city employees as certified operators. This program will involve monitoring the West End of town, where water issues have been identified, using advanced equipment provided by Dukes Engineering.

Overall, the meeting highlighted ongoing efforts to maintain and improve the city's wastewater infrastructure while addressing current challenges and planning for future enhancements.