Amador County – Ione City Council heard from its wastewater program manager Tuesday that changing the city’s sewer plant project would help save millions.

Wastewater Program Manager Art O’Brien said a study found the new cost would be about $6 million, and city council members sought even more cuts.

O’Brien said a “facilities planning report has been done” on PERC Water’s proposed plant, costing $12 million to $14 million dollars, and “that is not the plant we would recommend.” His firm Robertson-Bryan Incorporated “conceptualized that smaller plant which we will put in a report to take to the state.”

The Design-Build-Operate-Finance approach would cost citizens about $185 a month, O’Brien said. He recommended “State Revolving Fund” financing as the least costly for the project. Mayor Ron Smiley asked if there are companies able to do something with different designs which would make it even cheaper. He asked about lining the ponds to prevent seepage.

O’Brien said they have “right sized” the project for Ione, with a $6 million renovation of the current facilty, a “wetlands treatment system” and “percolation is still the best system.” The plant would still use percolation ponds, which were supported by geology and hydrology at the plant, and “if you line the ponds, you must find somewhere to dispose of the water.”

Councilman Lloyd Oneto said he has looked at different sewer plants at Delhigh and Delmar. Faster treatment is more costly, and a 20-day treatment processes was cheaper. He asked if Winzler & Kelly could find a better fit.

O’Brien, who recommended hiring Winzler & Kelley in a $164,00 contract, said they “will look at different approaches” and “we will bring them the ideal project.” O’Brien said “I can support this council in bringing those alternatives to it.”

O’Brien said “this is an aggressive schedule” and the project must be constructed by September 2013 to meet the Cease & Desist Order. O’Brien said Winzler & Kelly was recommended for a State Revolving Fund consultant because they have successfully completed six different projects, and the city must quickly get a contract through the process.

Councilman David Plank said if contractors see the timeline and say “no chance, we can’t do it … do we throw ourselves on the mercy of the Board?” O’Brien said they would not do that. He noted that the Regional Board in December was pleased with the aggressive schedule. He said the city could ask the Board for 2 months, but the city should be building a plant if it asks for an extension.

Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.