WATER & SEWER

Comprehensive Water System Study
With an eye to the future, the DPW requested funding in 2007 to evaluate the town’s water system and determine its ability to meet current and future demands. The department was concerned sufficient capacity may not be available to meet current maximum day demands or to allow new industry (specifically a wet industry) to locate in Newport. At the 2007 Town Meeting funds were appropriated for a comprehensive water system study.

This year, in addition to review and comment during the study, Water & Sewer Superintendent Robert Naylor and the Director provided data input for the computer modeling and assisted with field inspection and flow testing. In late 2008, Underwood Engineers completed a draft water system study report. The report concludes an additional water supply is required: 1) to meet average day demand with one source unavailable, 2) to meet maximum day demand for extended periods and 3) for further development in the town.

This year, the department is requesting additional funding to continue the Water System Study, specifically the initial phase of a well development program.

Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP)
As a result of the new National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit received by the WWTP in July of 2007, the department continued working with NH Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding options for phosphorous removal to meet the new limits of the NPDES Permit.  Since the May 2008 Town Meeting bond vote to fund the engineering of phosphorous removal was defeated, the Town Manager and department staff met with the NHDES to discuss compliance schedules for a proposed Administrative Order of Consent (AOC). As a result of these discussions, Town Manager Dan O’Neill asked for a delay of the AOC until after the May 2009 Town Meeting due to a lack of Town approval for funding. The Public Works Department will initiate an engineering selection process as required by NHDES with the hopes of selecting an engineer prior to the May 2009 Town Meeting therefore expediting the Phosphorous Removal Project after the vote.

The Director and WWTP Superintendent Arnold Greenleaf prepared the Annual Site Summary Report for the WWTP. The testing of the monitoring wells resulted in no parameters exceeding the permit limits.

West Street Sewer Siphon Project
After the floods ravaged the stream bank on the Sugar River behind West Street, the sewer siphon structure was exposed and in danger if another flood occurred. The Director developed an emergency bid package with Water & Sewer Superintendent Robert Naylor. The department obtained the necessary Wetlands permits and issued the river bank repair for bid. K.A. Stevens & Son Construction was awarded the contract. The project was completed in September. The Director is pursuing a State Aid Grant application for reimbursement of eligible costs.

Sewer Use Ordinance (SUO)
In culmination of several years effort by the Public Works Department (Water & Sewer Superintendent Robert Naylor, WWTP Superintendent Arnold Greenleaf and the Director), a revised, updated (SUO) was approved by the NHDES and adopted by the Board of Selectmen on June 16, 2008.

Guild Pump Station
The Director and Water & Sewer Superintendent Robert Naylor met with Underwood Engineers, T-Buck Construction and NHDES with regard to the final warranty/project closeout meetings. Permanent easements were also secured for the Town’s station operations. Project closeout documents and the Director’s application for a State Aid Grant are the only outstanding work to be completed. This station will serve the area’s sewer needs with capacity for future sewer demand as well.

Guild Lagoons
In preparation of a Groundwater Discharge Permit Application for the Guild Lagoons, Nobis Engineering was contracted to install six monitoring wells. The final report with monitoring well testing will be submitted in 2009 in support of the Town’s proposed closure plans.

LANDFILLS

Ash Landfill
In January of 2008, the Annual Summary Report for 2007 monitoring well testing was submitted to the NHDES in accordance with the Ash Landfill’s Groundwater Release Detection Permit. The 2007 Post-Closure Inspection Report regarding inspection of the current condition of the Ash Landfill was submitted to the NHDES in March of 2008. The Director and Finance Director Paul Brown prepared the annual Financial Assurance Document (FAD) for the Ash Landfill and submitted the FAD to the NHDES in November 2008. Several areas of the Landfill site were mowed on a contract basis. The department also submitted an Application for Permit Renewal.

Breakneck Road Landfill
In accordance with the NHDES’ instructions, Nobis Engineering was contracted to prepare a Groundwater Management Zone Delineation Report (GMZDR). The report was submitted to the NHDES for approval in mid-2008. Nobis Engineering also prepared an Application for Permit Renewal of the landfill. However, the NHDES has not responded to the GMZDR or the permit renewal application.

HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT

Breakneck Road Box Culvert Project
As a result of the Director’s application and re-submittal, FEMA awarded a Hazard Mitigation Grant to the Town to replace the culvert on Breakneck Road with a pre-cast concrete box culvert. The grant was in the amount of $65,035.00. The Director will design and permit the 5’ x 10’ culvert in 2009 and construction is scheduled for the summer of 2010.

Paradise Road Bridge
The Director negotiated a scope of work and fee for Vanasse Hangen Brustlin (VHB) to perform an engineering study of bridge alternatives as required by the NH Department of Transportation (NHDOT) Bridge Aid Program. VHB submitted the study to the NHDOT for review in late December.

Reed’s Farm Road Bridge
In mid-summer, the Public Works Department received a Letter of Critical Deficiency from the NHDOT downgrading the posting of this bridge from “No Posting Required” to “6-Tons”. The Director submitted an Advanced Construction Bridge Aid request which was approved by the NHDOT. VHB completed an engineering study of alternatives and the NHDOT consequently approved engineering of a new deck on the existing abutments. The bridge deck replacement is scheduled for May 2009.

Old Goshen Road Box Culvert
The northwest wing wall and corner of the box culvert on Old Goshen Road collapsed causing the road to be closed for emergency repairs for a portion of the summer. The Highway Department repaired the culvert and wing wall after the Director prepared engineering plans and specifications.

2008 Paving Project
The Director prepared the bid package for the shim and overlay of eight streets and roads in town. After a delay due to Pike Industries’ request for an escalation clause price increase as a result of a jump in asphalt prices, the project was completed in October.

MISCELLANEOUS

• The Director and the Superintendents assisted the Planning Board with the following proposed subdivisions/site plan proposals:
  • RDS Manufacturing
  • Bald Mountain Road - Water & Sewer Issues
  • Ruger Mills Property (Cross Street) Retaining Wall
• New Hires (at year’s end) were Kurt Laurie, Utilities Technician in the Water & Sewer Department and Anthony White, Truck Driver/Equipment Operator in the Highway Department.
• The Public Works Department lost an experienced 20-year employee when Steve Carley (Highway Department Truck Driver/Equipment Operator) retired. Steve was always there from the beginning to the very end of any snow storm or Town emergency. His dedication will be missed.

Larry A. Wiggins, P.E.
Director of Public Works