Cheaper alternative found for sewer project

McCOOK, Neb. — A project at the wastewater treatment plant that was estimated to cost $165,000 has instead been completed for $44,460.

Councilman Jerry Calvin pulled the consent agenda item on information about the sewer plant line improvements and congratulated city staff on the savings.

“Jesse (Dutcher, Utilities Director) and crew found a very economical way to solve this issue and saved taxpayers $120,000,” Calvin said. “We should take a little pride in saving taxpayer’s dollars. It’s another reassurance to the people that we truly care about taxpayer money.”

The 18-inch outfall line at the wastewater treatment plant extends 330 feet from the plant to a point near the Republican River, where treated wastewater is discharged. The pipe is original to the plant and predates the 1978 improvements.

Over the past few years, the pipe became clogged with roots, restricting the flow of treated wastewater. City staff had attempted to keep the roots out of the pipe by using a root cutter and root control chemicals, with limited success. Plans were made to replace the pipe ran into permitting issues as it’s located in a floodplain and the need to keep groundwater out of the project. The sandy soil in the area also resulted in larger construction one, which drove the estimated price up to $165,000, budgeted in the city’s 2021-22 budget.

Johnson Service Co. of Kearney, Neb., was hired to use a larger root cutter. Roots were entering the pipe in a few places and spreading through the pipe, so the team felt the last couple of large roots could be removed, the pipe could be lined using a cured-in-place seamless liner.

The last of the large roots were removed and the liner was installed. The seamless liner is actually stronger than the original pipe and seals directly to the existing pipe, making it leak-proof, according to Dutcher.

This should be a permanent solution that will prohibit roots from entering the pipe in the future and keep the water flowing.