Hollister officials are trying to prevent constipation of the
Long-term Wastewater Treatment Plan.
Hollister officials are trying to prevent constipation of the Long-term Wastewater Treatment Plan.
City Council Monday adopted a resolution to change sewage operations to reduce suspended solids at the wastewater treatment plant that could also save about $900,000 in operational costs.
The new “dissolved air flotation” system will replace the previously used DAF, which failed to efficiently reduce suspended solids.
“Pilot testing did not work out,” Utility Manager Jim Perrine said.
The Regional Water Quality Control Board’s Administrative Civil Liabilities order mandated a productive means of reducing suspended solids by Aug. 1. The order stems from the May 4 sewage spill at the wastewater treatment plant.
Treatment plant officials switched to “fall back” equipment for reducing suspended solids, a “dual-powered multicellular pond system.” However, a consulting engineer for Hydroscience Engineers recommended in October that city officials consider an alternate version of a DAF system.
Hydroscience designed the Long-term Wastewater Management Plan.
Reports indicated the new DAF system considers chemical factors not recognized by the previous DAF system – for instance, a recently discovered unusually high alkalinity in the water.
Perrine’s staff reported to Council members certain advantages of the new system, including the nearly $1 million in savings as compared to the fall back equipment. Additionally, power requirements are 40 percent less for the DAF.
Louis Cathemer, a representative from Hydroscience, addressed Council and expressed a need for the alternate pilot program.
“We believe it’s very prudent to move forward with this second DAF study,” Cathemer said.
Although he said success was not assured.
“Only pilot testing can tell you how truly effective it will be,” Cathemer said.
The new pilot testing will cost $10,000. Councilman Tony Bruscia expressed a willingness to make the “risky” switch. Council unanimously adopted the resolution.
“We want to find the most cost effective, most efficient way to do it,” Bruscia said.
In other business:
The 2002 update of the Overall Economic Development Program revealed that San Benito County has again experienced steady financial growth.
Council approved the document largely considered a “formality” at Monday’s meeting.
The U.S. Department of Commerce requires counties that seek federal funding to complete an update each year. Economic Development Corporation Director Al Martinez oversaw the process.
The OEDP report includes analysis of the year’s development, economic statistics, environmental issues and development goals.
Highlights included a continued population growth, albeit slower than the 1980s; a continued higher unemployment rate in comparison to other California counties; and a “total wage and salary employment” increase of 41.4 percent since 1992.
Redevelopment Director Bill Avera presented the OEDP report and will also do the same for the county Board of Supervisors. He was particularly surprised by steady growth in agriculture.
“Our ag businesses continually get bigger…” Avera said.
Many others took part in preparing the report, including the EDC Board of Directors and a committee.
“It keeps us in compliance with rules,” Avera said.
A special Council meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. today to swear-in newly elected District 2 Councilman Robert Scattini, who will take over Peggy Corrales’ seat. Scattini won the deadlocked Nov. 5 election over Corrales by 20 votes and was certified last week as the official winner.
During the reports portion of the meeting, all remaining Council members expressed thanks to Corrales at her final meeting. City Attorney Elaine Cass represented the city staff in also saying goodbye.
“Thank you Peggy for all your hard work and support,” Cass said. “You were obviously a committed member of this Council.”
Corrales responded to her peers’ words of encouragement and gave an emotional, collective thanks of her own.
“Thanks. I’ve enjoyed all four years,” she said. “I want to give credit to all the department heads. I always felt comfortable calling them.”
