Oran may hire engineer to solve water-system problem

ORAN, Mo. -- After a continuing issue with a holding tank at the Oran water treatment plant, city officials are looking to solve the problem once and for all.

City Clerk Tom Urhahn said for some time, the holding tank at the treatment plant has had a crack in it. Because patching it hasn't fixed the problem, the city is planning for a solution.

"There's multiple ways of fixing the problem, like having the treatment water run straight through the lines [bypassing the tank] ... many different ways," Urhahn said. "Our engineers have already given us three to four different ways, but we're looking for more options."

By making a request for qualifications, the city is following guidelines from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources in hopes of getting a grant to fund part of the project, Urhahn said.

The city would pay 20 percent of the project cost, and the state agency would pay the remainder. He did not give an estimate on what the project will cost because a plan hasn't been decided yet.

The grant, if awarded, would cover the cost of hiring an engineer, bidding and proposals.

Engineering companies with a minimum $1 million in professional liability insurance may apply and must submit a report to the state agency within three months before the project begins.

City officials stated in an advertisement they are looking for firms to provide an analysis and outline to determine how to best correct the existing problems, provide for backup water facilities and how an interconnection can be made with Scott County Public Water Supply District No. 4.

Urhahn said companies are judged based on a 100-point system, including experience, capacity and capability, past jobs and performance with other small municipal systems.

The company with the highest marks will meet with the city to determine a plan, Urhahn said.

The deadline is 2 p.m. March 27.

smaue@semissourian.com

388-3644

pertinent address:

Oran City Hall, 118 Mountain Street, Oran, Missouri