During the 2011 Annual Meeting, the ratepayers of the Pascoag Utility District were asked to consider and vote upon a Proposal regarding two projects for the Water Department: Well/Water Exploration and Tank Painting and Maintenance.
Currently Pascoag is relying on a neighboring water department for 80% of its supply. By exploring for a clean water source(s) in the northern end of PUD’s existing well field, closer to the river, there may be the possibility of providing 100% of Pascoag’s water supply from this site. The area to be explored will also include the old Well 1 area, which was decommissioned more than twenty years ago due iron/manganese content, which is easily treated today. . Exploration will involve an intricate program of drilling and testing in coordination with RI Dept. of Environmental Management and RI Dept. of Health. If clean, potable water is found, the next phase will be to permit and construct wells to supply Pascoag’s need.
In regard to the two storage tanks owned and operated by Pascoag, a 1997 engineering report commissioned by the District provided evidence of significant deterioration of the internal and external surfaces of the tanks. The work to be completed will include complete cipro surface preparation (sandblasting and cleaning) of all surfaces, spot weld repairs, structural changes to meet new state codes, and recoating of all surfaces to extend the life of the tanks by at least 20 years. The work performed will also remediate the lead paint currently existing on the external structures.
A motion was made and seconded to approve both projects in the amount of $1,225,000. $1,000,000 would be dedicated to Tank Painting and Maintenance with the remainder of $225,000 devoted to Well/Water Exploration. The vote was unanimous.
PUD Staff members are currently working on the application process for these projects. Check back here for updates on how the projects are progressing!