By ANN BELCHER
OBSERVER Correspondent
BROCTON - The recent rebuild of a downed filter media at the water treatment plant in Brocton proved to be the right move for the village.
During a recent meeting, Mayor Dave Hazelton reported that from his discussion with water plant operator, Greg Borst, he learned that one million gallons of water are being saved in the backwash process of water filtration now that the filter media is operational.
Water customers were recently asked to voluntarily conserve water while the necessary replacement took place the week of Sept. 10. Board members acted immediately to secure prompt replacement of the filter after being alerted by Borst. The filter faced destruction due to a materials basin being clogged with debris which left only one filter in operation during its replacement.
"With proper rebuilding of this filter, it's running so well that it's operating up to 70 hours running with one backwash filter. We're saving money in time and in wasted water with this running so well. I think we made the right call here, and are yielding one million gallons less in backwash. The process took just 14 hours from start to finish," stated Hazelton.
The board resolved to pay $31,911 for the recent filter rebuild at the water treatment plant with available funds from timber sales. Their resolution stipulated that once the water treatment plant project is funded, those funds can be put back into the timber sales line, rather than taking a drastic draw from the operation and maintenance line.
Trustee Art Donovan inquired about the ongoing litigation issue with the wastewater treatment plant project's electrical engineer during the meeting.
Mayor Hazelton replied that the issue is ongoing, but that work is taking place. He added that he and Village Attorney Sam Drayo have meetings scheduled with the other party to try and resolve the issues.
In other matters, the board also resolved to host Patricia Munson from the Chautauqua Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Council for an October 17 board meeting. Munson will be on hand to give a presentation and seek board input about community outreach for substance abuse intervention.
Trustee Dale Van Vlack added it may be prudent to include the Brocton Central School's Interact Club members on any outreach ideas, since they are trusted stakeholders in community issues.
Board members also approved insurance premiums for the year, quoted by the village insurance vendor Randy Graham of Slone Melhuish. The premium total the Village of Brocton including liability, properties and automobiles amounts to $34,626.76 and for the Brocton Fire Department including liability, property and vehicles, $8463.66.
A Project Clean Up application and a sewer charge relief in the amount of $73.37 were also authorized by board members.
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