Water Superintendent Paul Carthy told the East Liverpool Board of Public Utilities during Thursday’s board meeting that he is working on a response letter for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) East District Office for the outstanding EPA violations. He noted that there are some more questions they want answered and he hopes to get the EPA to agree to some of their terms.

McCarthy addressed the issue of missing bolts on the overflow for the east standpipe tank, which is one of the EPA violations, and said he put two bolts in there and some of the little violations are being solved.

He also noted that there is required language that has to be in the 2024 Water Quality report which has to be submitted by July 1 and he is working on that.

He also said that the department received a response letter about their asset management plan and there are a couple of violations in there such as not having any short- or long-term plans for water line replacements and other items that need updated.

Clark said they were behind the eight ball in getting things done and feels the expectations in the response letter were quite a bit and McCarthy said he doesn’t know how they are going to tackle all the big tickets projects right away without getting some leeway.

He also said that all three water department employees received their lab certifications and are now fully certified for wet water chemistry.

McCarthy requested approval to seek quotes for new roofing at the plant since they have lost shingles. BPU member Tim Clark agreed the roof does need repaired.

McCarthy also confirmed the high school can be without water during the period of July 7 to 18 to rehab a water tank.

The water department is waiting for delivery on a 70 cable to get the sludge meter back online and they are hoping to have that done this week.

Line Foreman Jayson Jackson told the board staffing and equipment shortages are still a problem for the department.

There is a training course on March 28 for the employees which is going to cost $215 per person.

He presented the board with an estimate of $4,399 for a double door trailer for the trench box which would make the needed tool more accessible to use. It could be stored in the trailer and transported by the water or sewer departments by hooking the trailer to a truck.

Jackson also said that the department has completed 47 digs since Jan. 1 and Tuesday and has been trying to fill holes in between.

Jackson addressed the staffing shortage again saying he needs to hire employees and that the civil service test is needed.

Clark said they were having no luck in finding employees and board member Ray Sullivan said he didn’t see why the civil service test couldn’t be given.

Jackson also said the department’s trucks are in need of repair and the department needs to purchase trucks. There was discussion on where to look for funds to purchase trucks, but no action was taken on the matter.

Clark noted Jackson’s department was the only one needing trucks, that they would need one for the meter program employee once they get that program going.

Wastewater Superintendent Dave Freeman told the board that he replaced one gear box, and another one went and that he ordered two new spray nozzles for the press.

He also noted that there was no new updates on the projects.

Freeman said he should be receiving an installation date for windows at the plant and the lab could use a new incubator which costs approximately $7,000 since the one they have now is 29 years old, and also a blower needs to be replaced at a cost of $3,700.

Clark asked Freeman about the valve replacement project and Freeman responded he has not heard back on that and that there was supposed to be a preconstruction meeting in December or January but has not heard anything. The replacement of 31 valves is pending how much contingency money is left from the project.

There was discussion on whether the city should charge for water meter replacements and how the Buckeye Water District and Steubenville have meter replacement and infrastructure fees on their water bills. It was suggested this is something to possibly look into, but no action was taken.

Clark said the water department has $725,260.86, R & I Fund has $1,475,452.23, Sewer Equipment has $1,025,179.51. The sewer department is in arrears $4,418,568 after issuing purchase orders for project costs.

The East Liverpool Board of Public Utilities meets the third Thursday of each month at 2 p.m. in council chambers at East Liverpool City Hall. The next regular meeting is scheduled for April 17.

kgarabrandt@mojonews.com