Southwick Department of Public Works Director Jeff Neece, center rear, explains a proposed sewer pump upgrade during last night’s Board of Selectman’s meeting. Joining Neece are Luther Hosmer, rear left, water commissioner, and Richard Grannells, rear right, special assistant Department of Public Works. (Photo by chief photographer Frederick Gore)
SOUTHWICK – The Select Board met with Department of Public Works (DPW) Director Jeffrey Neece last night to discuss upgrades to sewer pump stations.
Neece said there have been problems “for some time” with stations on Berkshire Avenue, Island Pond Road and by Prifti Motors.
“At Prifti, the pump runs at capacity,” said Neece.
DPW Engineer Richard Grannells said the company that designed the pump has adjusted it in order to get the affluent up the slope. Neece said they often need to work on the pump.
“It’s a double problem because not only are we paying for repairs, but over time…” Neece said. “The solution is to change the existing suction lift pumps into submersibles.”
Neece said the Berkshire Avenue Pumping Station enclosure would be brought to Prifti and upgrades would provide pump bypass capacity and improve the lightning and surge protection.
The Berkshire and Island Pond station are almost identical, said Neece, who estimated the cost of the work at $200,000.
Neece said there is $475,000 that was set aside for upgrades from the last sewer project. Neece said Accountant Linda Carr said it was possible to use the funds for the pumping station project.
In other business last night, the Select Board officially voted to terminate the state of emergency in Southwick.
Emergency Management Director Charles Dunlap asked the board to take the vote. Chief Executive Officer Karl Stinehart said he attended a meeting last week with representatives of FEMA and MEMA and FEMA will begin work on reimbursement of expenses related to the Oct. 29 storm.
