This article summarizes the Utility Master Plan Project Meeting held on July 24th, covering updates on water, sanitary, and stormwater systems. It details project schedules, system assessments, improvement recommendations, funding options, and development considerations, providing a comprehensive overview of the town's utility infrastructure planning and future needs.
On Thursday, July 24th, a Utility Master Plan Project Meeting was held to discuss the progress and findings related to the town's water, sanitary, and stormwater systems. The meeting provided updates on project schedules, system assessments, improvement recommendations, funding opportunities, and development considerations.
The project team, including engineers Chris and Anthony Bass, provided an update on the project timeline and deliverables:
The team is confident in meeting these deadlines and emphasized the importance of the PER in guiding future utility improvements.
The water system report, approximately 30 pages, includes detailed analysis of the current water distribution system, pressure, and volume capacity. Recent information from developers, including Dayton Development LLC, indicates potential growth with approximately 200 new residential units planned east of town.
Four potential loop connections were identified to improve water circulation and reduce dead ends:
These loops help reduce water stagnation and improve system reliability. Each loop was evaluated based on cost, impact on customers, urgency (related to water age and chlorine levels), and constructibility (including easement and permitting challenges).
Additional valves are recommended at key intersections to improve system isolation capabilities during maintenance or emergencies. One urgent valve is missing near Deerfield Farms, which could impact the entire town if a break occurs.
Modeling shows that the current system maintains adequate pressure (above 30 PSI) during fire flow events under existing conditions. However, with future growth, pressure may become insufficient.
Three options were considered to address pressure and volume needs:
The booster station alone is the most economical and flexible option currently. The water tower option requires additional chlorine injection systems due to water age concerns.
The town's water supply is sourced from the city of Lafayette, with a permitted withdrawal of up to 500,000 gallons per day. Recent city well developments suggest sufficient supply for foreseeable growth. The 24-inch supply pipe from Lafayette is substantial but may become a future bottleneck.
Cost recovery fees from developers are expected to contribute to infrastructure costs.
The town has four lift stations, with the Deerfield station identified as needing rehabilitation due to aging pumps and equipment (approximately 30 years old). Estimated rehabilitation cost is around $540,000.
Consolidation of the College and Cemetery lift stations was considered but deemed cost-prohibitive due to deep gravity sewer installation costs.
Analysis of ten critical junctions shows the sanitary sewer system is well-sized with ample capacity, even under peak flow conditions. Wet weather flow increases are minimal (~10%), indicating good system condition with limited infiltration.
Stormwater analysis is preliminary and has taken a lower priority. Some areas, such as Shakamac and Clifty Falls, have known capacity issues or standing water concerns.
Coordination with other entities, such as the school corporation, is necessary for infrastructure not owned by the town.
Stormwater improvements are recommended to be coordinated with road projects (e.g., CCMG grants) due to funding and matching considerations.
The Dayton LLC development plans approximately 200 new residential units east of town, requiring coordination on water and sanitary infrastructure.
The developer will likely need a lift station, and discussions are ongoing regarding potential consolidation with existing stations.
Infrastructure built by developers becomes town property and must meet town standards.
A public attendee expressed concerns about proposed loop connections crossing private property and requested copies of the reports for review.
The project team emphasized the importance of community input and transparency.
The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for September 18th to review the draft PER before submission.
The Utility Master Plan Project is progressing well, with comprehensive assessments of water, sanitary, and stormwater systems. Recommendations focus on improving system reliability, accommodating growth, and securing funding.
The project aims to provide a valuable planning guide for the town's future utility infrastructure needs.
Community engagement and coordination with developers remain critical components of the planning process.
For further information or to provide feedback, residents are encouraged to contact the project team or attend upcoming meetings.
