Multi-million water, sewer bond issue on April ballot for Chaffee

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- Councilman Steve Loucks isn't calling Chaffee's aging water and wastewater system an immediate danger to the town of 2,950.

But if voters don't approve proposed changes to the system through a $12 million, 30-year bond vote April 6, Loucks said the city's residents could be facing a troublesome situation and higher utility rates in the future.

"By being proactive we feel it will help us out in the long run and prevent any potential problems from happening," said Loucks, who has been heavily involved in proposing the changes.

The city's water system has served residents for decades but dirty water and line breaks have become a recurring problem, said Marvin Nesbit, director of business development for Schultz and Summers Engineering. The city hired the Poplar Bluff, Mo., firm in 2008 to conduct an in-depth study of ways to improve its water and wastewater system. Its study was completed in January.

Built in 1986, the water treatment plant was designed for removal of iron and manganese from the drinking water. As the well water enters the plant, it is injected with chlorine for disinfection. The water then flows into a detention tank outside of the planet before flowing back into the plant building through two large filters.

Chaffee, Mo. city councilman Steve Loucks discusses the sewer bond issue that would fund improvements to the city's water system. (Fred Lynch)

Because much of this process is performed manually, automation is proposed to increase efficiency while reducing errors that could occur by its operators.

"This will be a big help because a computer will make it much easier on us who are working here," said Shannon Hendrix, public works administrator. "After doing this by hand for years, we're looking forward to the change."

In addition to automating the process, another proposed change is replacing the HVAC system and dehumidifiers to prevent the formation of excess condensation. At times condensation that forms on the floor poses a safety danger, the study said. The condensation also forms on pipes, contributing to erosion.

Other proposed changes to the plant include installing new lighting, an automatic transfer switch from normal power to a standby generator in emergency situations and new testing equipment.

Meanwhile, the study found that a new disinfection facility likely would need to be added to its wastewater treatment system. The current disinfection system uses a clay pipe collection system known for infiltration problems from cracking. The study said continuing to use this system could result in violations by the Environmental Protection Agency.

The need to upgrade its water and wastewater system dates back to 2008, when Chaffee was issued two boil-water orders, including one that lasted for 10 days.

The city in 2008 hired Schultz and Summers Engineering to conduct the study and in March held three meetings to allow for public input. A fourth meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. April 5 at city hall.

If the voters approve the bond, Loucks said rates would be about $61 per month per household. If the bond is not approved, the city would use private financing to make the required upgrades at a cost of nearly $91 each month for a household.

"Other cities have this staring them in the face," Loucks said. "We don't want to be in the same boat as some others in our state."

Loucks hopes to avoid situations like what happened in January at Hayti Heights, Mo. The Southeast Missouri town was declared a hazardous substance emergency by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources after the city was unable to provide consistent drinking and wastewater services to its residents, according to the Associated Press.

The department was notified over New Year's weekend that residents of Hayti Heights had no drinking water and that sewage was backing up into homes and yards. Bottled water was brought in and department staff sent to investigate found the drinking water plant shut down and in a state of disrepair. The wastewater system was overloaded and had broken pumps at several lift stations.

In addition, the city's management of its drinking water system resulted in excess chemicals being added to the system, with the threat of chlorine from treated drinking water being released into the environment.

Despite a slow economy nationwide, Loucks said he is optimistic that voters will approve the bond measure.

"The question I have to those who may be wondering if they should vote on this is, what would you be willing to give up?" Loucks said. "You wouldn't want to move to a place that doesn't have an up-to-date and proper-functioning water and sewer system. This will add to our quality of life here for years to come."

bblackwell@semissourian.com

388-3628

Pertinent addresses:

222 W Yoakum Ave, Chaffee, MO

4800 West Boulevard, Poplar Bluff, MO