DPW moves forward with wastewater repairs

NORWICH – The Department of Public Works is taking the necessary steps to move forward with the repair of the rotating biological contactors (RBCs) at the wastewater treatment plant. After much discussion, the DPW has sent out qualification requests to four engineering firms to discuss the RBC problem.

Superintendent of Public Works Carl Ivarson has previously explained the problems to the component of the wastewater treatment facility. Due to excessive wear and tear, some of which was caused by the flooding in late June, the RBCs are in need of replacement.

“The RBCs have been in use for 20 years, and they normally only last seven,” explained Second Ward Alderman and Chair of the Public Works / Public Safety Committee Terry Bresina.

At a recent Finance / Personnel Committee Meeting, Ivarson told the committee that of the four requests he had sent, three engineering firms had responded. Each response was rated based on technical and qualitative content. Ivarson recommended that the city go with Delaware Engineering, the company that received the highest rating. The Finance / Personnel Committee, the Public Works / Public Safety Committee and the Water Commission moved to approve the qualification selection of Delaware Engineering.