The Century Council approved a resolution Monday night that will allow the town to issue an RFP (request for proposals) for the removal of sludge from the reject pond that could cost as much as $100,000 at the waste water plant.
Interim City Manager Buz Eddy told the council that a recent inspection determined that the reject pond was used to remove biosolids from the waste water plant and pump them into the reject pond, which is a violation of Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) rule. Eddy said that prior staff made the decision but it had to be corrected to be in compliance with the DEP. It was undetermined what staff had made the wrong decision to pump the biosolids into the reject pond.
“We need to remove the biosolids from the reject pond and restore it to it's original purpose,” said Eddy.
Eddy said that unless the town can come up with a creative way to remove the biosolids, an RFP to contract the job is the best way.
Independent contractor Vernon Prather, who is working with Eddy for the town, estimated the cost based on the recent removal of biosolids from the clarifier, which cost the town $6,000.
“When we get these RFPs back as to how to handle it, we'll bring the best one to the council that will work,” said Eddy. “There's no choice.”
Councilman James Smith asked if the expenditure was allowed in the budget and Eddy said no.
In a motion made by Councilwoman Sandra McMurray Jackson and seconded by Councilman Smith, the motion carried unanimously.
