SC Minutes
Burrillville Sewer Commission
Workshop of November 28, 2017
Board Room of the BWWTF
Members Present: William A. Andrews – Chairman
Richard Nolan – Vice Chairman
Russell Fontaine – Secretary
Wayne Barber – Commission Member
Gary Rouleau – Commission Member
Also Present: Timothy Kane – Attorney for the Commission
James J. Geremia – Consulting Engineer
John E. Martin III – Superintendent
Stacey Richard – Office Manager
Mr. Andrews opened the workshop at 6:33 PM.
Discussion of Ongoing Negotiations with Nexom
Mr. Andrews stated that two (2) weeks ago he, Mr. Fontaine and Mr. Martin met with three members of the Nexom team to discuss the Phosphorus/Copper system. Mr. Martin stated that Nexom believes they have met all requirements, aside from a small punch-list and does not owe anything further to the BSC. Mr. Fontaine stated that Nexom offered an option to displace sand in the tanks in order to avoid an overflow issue. Mr. Fontaine stated that the CEO of Nexom suggested that the compressors be tested. Mr. Andrews read an excerpt from a letter written by the CEO of Nexom in response to the meeting: “The issues for both sides can be broken down to the following categories:
Approval, completion, use and understanding of the O&M manual
Punch list, including training
Mixing of chemicals
Start-up and performance testing – in particular issues surrounding peak flows and chemical usage
Payment
We believe the first two items can be resolved quite quickly, and we are taking steps to resolve in the most timely manner possible. Mr. Geremia has agreed to mark-up and send the latest copy of the O&M manual back to us as soon as possible.”
Mr. Andrews confirmed with Mr. Martin that the latest copy of the O&M manual contains the same operating parameters as previous copies. Mr. Andrews stated that we must tell Nexom that we cannot operate the system within the parameters. Mr. Andrews read another excerpt from the letter:
“Finally, this leaves us with two more serious issues. We contend that we properly commissioned the plant and successfully completed the performance test. Based on our meeting there is a disagreement on this issue because of flow rates and chemical usage.”
Mr. Geremia stated that Nexom is asking the BCS to review the O&M manual. Mr. Geremia and Mr. Martin have made notes to be referred to Nexom regarding the O&M manual. Mr. Martin stated that the plant has had six (6) call-ins regarding the new system, and has had near overflow situations on more than one (1) occasion. It is reasonable to assume that there will be an overflow situation if the operators cannot get to the plant quickly. Mr. Geremia stated that if Nexom displaces the sand in the tanks, further performance testing will need to be done. Mr. Andrews suggested the option of having a third party engineering firm review the system. Mr. Fontaine suggested testing different options and evaluating the findings in order to revise the process. Mr. Fontaine stated that during the meeting with Nexom, it was mentioned that there is another wastewater treatment facility that is using a similar system. Mr. Fontaine suggested that Mr. Geremia reach out to that facility to discuss any issues they may have encountered. Mr. Barber recommended that Mr. Geremia reach out to Nexom in order to resolve the compressor issue as stated in the email from the CEO of Nexom. Mr. Geremia stated that he and Mr. Martin will prepare a response letter for Nexom.
Mr. Andrews made a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Barber. All in favor, so voted.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jacqueline Batalon
Financial Aide