With the sewer lift station project completed, the Vienna City Council wants to turn its focus to getting the Infiltration/Inflow (I/I) under control so that the city won’t have to built an expensive sewer treatment plant in the future.

At the January Vienna City Council meeting, Utilities Superintendent Shon Westart reported the sewer lift station project is finished and the two new submersible pumps that replaced the dry wells should last 50 to 60 years. Westart said the new equipment is stainless steel so it won’t deteriorate. Mayor Tyler James asked how long the previous lift station lasted and Westart said 45 years. It was constructed in 1975. Mayor James said, “We got a lot of time out of it,” adding he was glad the construction process went well. 

Mid-State Pipeline did the project for the city at a cost of $168,420. The city council raised the sewer rate slightly a couple of years ago in anticipation of the expense of the new lift station. The city did not have to borrow money to pay for it because of this action. Clerk Sherry James said she transferred $100,000 from the sewer CD into the sewer fund to pay for it.

“The new focus is on the I and I and limping that lagoon along and not bulling a treatment plant,” Mayor James said. “We need to get on that.” He said there are two kinds of solutions to the Infiltration/Inflow problem. The city can build a levy around about 20 acres of land and flood it, or the city can purchase a lot of land and spray it.  

According to Wikipedia, having too much inflow causes dilution in sewer lagoons, which decreases the efficiency of treatment and may cause sewage volumes to exceed design capacity. The city has asked residents to make sure rain water is not entering the sewer system and will work with residents to form a plan to keep gutter and basement water out of the sewer system. 

Westart said the city’s lagoon system was engineered for a population triple of what Vienna has and that has helped. 

Also, Westart reported getting a bid for $7,600 from Mid-State Pipeline to replace the lift station that serves three properties on the north side of town at Vienna Christian Life Assembly and DeVilbiss home. “It’s done for” Westart told the council about the sewer station the city maintains. Don Kelley bought it used when it was permitted in the 1980s. It’s not stainless steel and the whole top of it, the rail assembly, and the bottom are severely rusted. Westart said if they lose the bottom, “It’s done.” Additionally, the pumps need new teeth because it a grinder pump. It can be pulled and installed in one day. 

Mayor James told Westart the money is in the sewer budget to do it. Westart said all three lift stations will be in good condition following this work. They will get three prices on the project.