An engineering study recommends repairs and upgrades to Hagerstown’s water, wastewater and stormwater collection systems that could cost $11.4 million to $18.85 million.
Triad Associates of Indianapolis reported the results of its study to Hagerstown Town Council on Oct. 2. The firm evaluated each system, recommending repairs and upgrades. Town Council will decide on final projects and funding, with discussion likely starting at a work session on Monday, Oct. 16.
Fixing the water system is the largest cost at $7.74 million to $10.83 million, said Lou Savka, Triad’s president. The system loses 57% of water to leakage.
Many older lines are 2-inch or 4-inch cast iron pipes that generally don’t deliver enough pressure for modern fire hydrants. Six-inch lines are the norm. Some lines probably have lead connections, which must be replaced because they are hazardous to human health.
Triad recommends installing a backup system to help equalize water pressure from the two water towers. The tower at Teetor Road and Indiana 1 is higher than the tower at Pearl and Factory streets. It produces more pressure. If the Teetor Road tower was filled without equalizing pressure, the Pearl Street tower would overflow. An equalization system is in place but it needs backup.
The wastewater treatment plant is in good shape, he said. Sewage produced by homes and businesses flows to the plant by a series of lines. Many are clay tile and some are broken. A pump on the west side that serves one house should be replaced. Estimated costs: $1.87 million to $5.21 million.
Some underground lines that collect stormwater and carry it to outlets along streams need repair, costing $1.84 million to $2.81 million. He suggested creating a stormwater utility. That would put a charge on town bills to pay for upkeep.
As Town Council deliberates, a consultant will help apply for funding from state and federal grants. The $90,000 study by Triad was funded by a grant from the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs, with $10,000 paid by the town. The town could qualify for construction funding from OCRA, consultant Greg Beumer said.
In other business, Town Council President Becky Diercks asked Fire Chief Rick Cole to start preparation to apply for a $5,000 grant for a feasibility study on expanding the fire station or building new. The first step is an income survey.
The council also hired Terry Ford as building commissioner for $16,992 a year. He replaces Bob Bullock, who was paid about $10,000 yearly.
Chief Keith Folkner said Hagerstown Police Department will start enforcing state law to deal with a resident whose dogs have created “pretty traumatic incidents” for neighborhood cats. Town ordinances don’t apply because people haven’t been hurt.
The council’s work session starts at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 16, with the next regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 6, both in Town Hall, 49 E. College St. The public may attend.
UTILITIES STUDY REPORT
A consulting firm studied what needs to be done to repair and upgrade three Hagerstown services. Here are the study’s cost estimates, which the Town Council is likely to pare down.
- Water: $7.74 million to $10.83 million
- Wastewater: $1.82 million to $5.21 million
- Stormwater: $1.84 million to $2.81 million
— Report by Triad Associates, Indianapolis
A version of this article appeared in the October 11 2023 print edition of the Western Wayne News.