Cloverdale council considers wastewater study

CLOVERDALE -- Town leaders in Cloverdale are now actively looking at revamping its wastewater system. However, it will likely turn out to be a long-term project.

Brady Dryer, Maureen Hayden and Andrew Cochrane of Commonwealth Engineers presented a snapshot of issues related to I and I (inflow and infiltration) during a special meeting of the Cloverdale Town Council Thursday evening.

Cochrane gave a rundown of a report recently conducted by him, Dyer, Cloverdale Street Superintendent Brad Fulk and Cloverdale Wastewater Superintendent Richard Saucerman. The summary focused on the town’s wastewater treatment plant and water treatment system in general.

Cochrane first highlighted what he saw as the “good parts.” An ultraviolet light system -- to disinfect wastewater by destroying microorganisms -- was installed in about 2017. The reports notes that most of Cloverdale’s seven lift stations are newer or have been recently updated.

Cochrane commented that the wastewater treatment plant itself was “very well maintained,” but that its bar screen does not adequately capture large materials. The report notes structural rehabilitation of the plant’s aeration tanks, as well as an interceptor sewer along Doe Creek with a tendency to overflow, as specific issues.

As to the water treatment plant, which was built in 1999, cleaning the town’s four wells and the plant’s standpipe have been singled out as things to be addressed.

Ultimately, these necessities lie in minimizing I and I. Cochrane noted that the clay piping collection system installed in the 1960s was possibly cracking, and that costs were being sustained with unneeded water treatment.

He finally said an eventual long-term plan would be separated into three components. The first was the rehabilitation of the collection system. The second would focus on targeted improvements (i.e. Doe Creek). The third would look at improvements at the wastewater plant.

Commonwealth’s environmental compliance manager, Dryer said the first step in a comprehensive plan was to draw up a preliminary engineering report. This would identify issues at different locations and facilities, as well as an evaluation of possible actions.

Dryer said the study would cost $40,000, but would include an environmental report and be relevant for a few years when it comes to applying for grants. To him, this process was “a marathon, not a sprint.”

Clerk-Treasurer Kelly Maners said she “just didn’t know” where the budget stood, but would have a better idea next month. She further stipulated that Cloverdale could not afford more water bonds.

Where to get funding for the project down the road remains the greatest concern. However, Dryer offered that there are some options for the council.

The town could pursue a loan term up to 40 years from USDA Rural Development. The council could also work with Jim Coffenberry and State Sen. John Ford of the West Central Indiana Economic Development District (WCIEDD) on a stormwater grant from the Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA).

Hayden emphasized that none of them were expecting a decision on the study at this moment. As such, the council agreed to table approving the preliminary report.

Troy Elless of UMAC, with whom the town has a longstanding relationship when it comes to utilities, said Commonwealth had a “good approach” to Cloverdale’s wastewater issues.

“It’s time to fix the whole thing,” he iterated.

Commonwealth Engineers has also been working with the town on organizing its ADA transition plan.

Board member Cindy Holland was not present at the meeting.