Public works update: sanitary sewer odor probe, water-main breaks and dam feasibility preapplication discussed

City public works and utilities staff updated the commission on an ongoing sanitary sewer odor investigation, recent water-main breaks and a pre-application success for a dam feasibility study grant.

Public services director Dave Ringle said crews discovered a sanitary sewer odor entering the storm sewer system during routine maintenance on Jan. 3 and that the investigation has narrowed the likely area to the stretch between Richmond and Liberty along North River. Crews conducted smoke testing and are using elimination protocols; staff notified the newspapers and coordinated with Eagle as part of required procedures. Ringle said the likely causes include isolated dumping or long-untouched infrastructure but that the formal process of elimination is underway.

Ringle also briefed commissioners on two 12-inch water-main failures: one at Downey and Park discovered late Saturday and worked through into Sunday, and another on Hastings Street discovered that morning; crews worked overnight and into the next day to restore service. Ringle noted the city has replaced many mains over time but that older mains remain in some places; the transcript records written and oral remarks describing occasional wooden water main remnants found during earlier projects.

Public works staff reported that the city cleared the first round of a dam-reduction pre-application and will submit a full application by the end of the month seeking $236,000 for a feasibility study to evaluate options for the impoundment and dam. Staff said the feasibility study will supply facts to inform choices about future actions.

Commissioners asked operational questions and thanked crews for the response; there were no motions tied to these informational updates aside from the commission receiving related reports earlier in the meeting.