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1984-10-27 ~, ...~.. ft& l\.t SUPERVISOR'S OFFICE \J"'O MILL STREET. P.O. Box 324 WAPPINGERS FALLS, N Y. 12590 OF WAPPINGER FRANK J. VERSACE SUPERVISOR August 27, 1984 Mr. Joseph Marcogleise, P.E. Senior Sanitarj Engineer N.Y.S. Dept. of Environmental Conservation 202 Mamaroneck Avenue White Plains, New York 10601 Dear Mr. Marcogleise: I would first like to take the opportunity to thank you for meeting with us on August 7th to discuss the five sewage treatment plants operated by the Town of Wappinger. I would also like to thank you for extending the date for our engineer's report evaluating these five systems until November 1, 1984. As per our agreement I am forwarding to you, prior to September 1st date, an evaluation of action that has been taken, or is at present scheduled to be taken, to comply with your letter of June 4, 1984. Oakwood Knoll Seweraae Svstem - 1. The problem wi th high' flows, frequent by-passing and overflowing of tanks has been addressed and will in the future be adressed in the following manners: An infiltration study had been conducted last year and some of the problem was corrected. We are aware that this is an on-going program and have directed our Town Engineer to investigate the location of the more serious problems within the Oakwood District in order that he might give us a price and we might budget the corrective action necessary to resolve the problem in the years 1985 and 1986. In addition we have directed, and Camo Pollution Control has completed, the installation of a splitter box prior to the discs that will balance the flow and reduce the frequency of overflowing of the disc tanks. We realize, however, that the final solution to tank overflow will only be eliminated completely with the correction of the high flows; and, therefore, we are committing to extensive investigation and correction of infiltration as we uncover it. 2. Regarding the rapid sand filters, we plan to do the following: A. In our 1985 budget we will be including funds for an extensive spare parts list to reduce the mechanical downtime to an absolute minimum. Our operators have advised us that this will contribute considerably toward keeping the filters running on a continual basis. B. In addition, we have been advised by our engineers and operators that, again, the correction of the infiltration and inflow problem will also have Mr. Joseph Marcogleise Senior Sanitary Engineer -2- great impact upon this problem and, in fact, for all practical purposes along with the spare parts, resolve the problem. C. Again, as we stated above, in the near future we will be receiving a report from our engineer as to the area and the expense involved in cor- recting the infiltration at the Oakwood Plant and, in discussions with you, determine a reasonable and economic time frame in which to take the correc- tive action which they recommend. Wildwood Sewer System 1. The problem of high flow is evident and we have included funding in our 1983 budget to start a study to indicate the areas of greatest concern along with an estimate of cost to correct the infiltration in these areas. Again, as with Oakwood, we will be budgeting for corrective action in our '85 - '86 budgets. 2. To forestall a deterioration of the facility due to age, our operators have been painting, scraping, replacing the fencing as needed and replacing grates at the facility which should go a long way toward keeping the deterioration to a minimum. Royal Ridqe 1. As with all the facilities we operate, there is a problem with high flows. Infilitration inflow investigations will be budgeted in our 1985 budget for this facility. In the interim, although no money was able to be budgeted due to financial contraints at this plant, the operators have found by systematic visual observation of manholes at night what appears to be a major infiltration of what could well be water from the central water system into the sewer lines. The amount this correction will improve the situation will only be determined after the correction has been taken in the coming weeks. We will, of course, keep you posted on our progress in that area. ~ The sand filters have been investigated and the interior perimeter walls have been replaced. In addition, the ditributors have been repaired to the point of being quite functional. The overall rebuilding of the sand filters is awaiting our engineer's evaluation of the existing sand, which is between 24 and 30 inches deep, by sieve analysis in order to determine whether it is still capable of functioning as required. In addition, our engineers and operators are experimenting with planting sand filters with bull rushes in order to prevent clogging and allow for treatment with considerably more flow onto a sand bed than is normally allowed by current design. This experimentation is going on at the Dutchess Park Plant in the Town of Fishkill and some concrete results should be in evidence in the spring of 1985--at which time we would like to meet and discuss with you the possibility, if this system seems feasible, of planting the entire bed with the bull rushes; or, if it is not feasible, working out an economic schedule with you to completely rebuild the beds if that is necessary. 3. The settling tank skimmer will be repaired by November 1, 1984. In addition, our engineers are investigating some type of dissipation weir in order to eliminate short circuiting within the tank. They will have their findings Mr. Joseph Marcogleise Senior Sanitary Engineer -3- to us prior to November 1, 1984. 4. In order to improve disinfection during high flow, our operators have recommended and we have approved the installation of a spare chlorinator and crock at the facility to be used manually when high flows occur. This installation should be completed by December 31, 1984. It will be used until such time as the main cause of the problem, i.e. excessive infiltration inflow, has been corrected. Rockingham Farm Sewage System 1. Here again we are faced with the problem of high flows at the facility. Again, we will have our engineers, as part of their study to be forwarded to you by November 1st, estimate what work is necessary and the time- frame in which it will be done in order that we can correct this problem. We will also have them investigate what work was done under the Tri-Municipal Contract which should have corrected the problem but has, obviously, not resolved the problem fully. I would like at this time, also, to have my engineer and operators discuss with you the possibility of installing by- passes to aid in resolving the effect of the infiltration inflow probl~m on the plant at Rockinqharn. In the past, a by-pass was permitted and constructed. This, althouqh not a substitute for correcting infiltration inflow problems, does appear to be a way in which minimum affect on the stream and the plant occurs until such time as the infiltration inflow is corrected. 2. The better disinfection system requested in your letter will be resolved by funds being placed in our 1985 budget by the installation of a by-pass line from the existing plant chlorinator directly to the large external sand filter chlorine tank. In this way, at all times, properly chlorinated effluent would discharge to the center of Sprout Creek. In addition, in regard to the plaugging of the sand beds as we mentioned earlier, we are looking into an evaluation of the effects of planting the sand filters with bull rushes in order to prevent plugging of the sand. Fleetwood Manor Sewerage System 1. As mentioned prior, reduction in flows is a necessity also at this facility. Our engineer will be adivsing you as per their November report as to what action will be taking place to correct this problem. 2. A back flow preventer on the potable water supply system to the plant will be installed prior to December 31, 1984. 3. Both settling tanks have been rebuilt. 4. The report on the infuent structure is being developed by our engineers at present and the completed report and design of the proper structure should be completed by December 31, 1984 for inclusion and construction in our 1985 budget year. . ~ Mr. Joseph Marcogleise Senior Sanitary Engineer -4- 5. The flow meter has been ordered and will be installed upon arrival. 6. Fencing has been installed around the entire facility. The area has now been chained off to all vehicles and routinely checked by the Wappingers Security Patrol to ensure a minimum of vandalism at the facility. I hope this information answers any questions you might have regarding the facilities and indicates that, in fact, we are trying as we stated at our meeting to resolve all the problems we have with sewer and water as quickly as funds permit. If you have any questions regarding this matter, please con- tact myself, my engineer or my operator. Very truly yours, ~~A,(,L Ilt',CLC~~L Frank Versace Supervisor Town of Wappinger FV/fh