HOLLY POND, Ala. – The Holly Pond Town Council on Monday got an update from Tyler McKellar of Living Water Services about plans for the town’s wastewater and sewer systems.
“Wastewater plant’s doing great,” said McKellar, noting that routine minor issues have been addressed quickly, and that the company has been able to do all its work in compliance with regulations of the Alabama Department of Environmental Management.
McKellar went on to talk about plans for use of a $680,000 grant from ADEM for the wastewater system. Holly Pond was among the first municipalities in the state to qualify for the funding under an ADEM infrastructure improvement program, but the program was put on hold by COVID shutdowns. Since that time, costs have increased.
“$700,000 doesn’t spend like it did back in 2021,” said McKellar.
He told the council that he talked to ADEM’s engineer about what the town needs, noting the increased cost. What he got from ADEM was good news: an offer to look for a little more funding to help out.
Birmingham-based Video Industrial Services will come in the next 30 days to begin smoke testing Holly Pond’s sewer lines for infiltration, or leaks into the lines. Residents should be prepared to see smoke coming from storm drains, manholes and plumbing drain vents during the testing; such occurrences are normal.
McKellar said, “They’re going to try to see if they can identify how big a problem infiltration is, because right now that’s a big question mark.”
Once the size of the problem has been determined, according to McKellar, “ADEM has told us, ‘Let’s get a quote together. We might be able to find another $250,000 or $300,000.”
McKellar said that he hoped to be able to come back by October with updated figures, and assured the council that, whatever Living Water does, the town will not be charged additional expenses.
Other council business
The council approved:
- An extra $3,000 for repairs to the senior building due to excess costs of construction, wiring, plumbing relocation and breaker box installation
- A $300 donation to the Cullman County Human Trafficking Task Force for expenses related to the task force’s participation in the upcoming 2024 Cullman County Fair
- A change of meeting date to work around the upcoming Labor Day holiday
Mayor Carla Hart informed the council that fencing and curbing around the ball park playground has been completed, and that she accepted bids totaling $4,525 for patching and restriping of the library parking lot. A previous $7,450 bid was declined at the last meeting.
Due to the Labor Day holiday, the Holly Pond Town Council will meet next on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024, at 6 p.m. in the Guy Hunt Public Library conference room. The public is invited to attend.
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