Two tanks filled with carbon may be the temporary solution used to clear the municipality’s water of contaminants. And it could initially cost nearly $308,000 over the next year.
The township’s utilities engineer, Russell Trice of the Alaimo Group, made the recommendation to the Township Council on Monday night as a way to address the trichloropropane, 1,2,3-TCP, and other contaminants found in the water that led to a shutdown of two municipal wells.
Trice suggested that the township consider a proposal by Calgon Carbon to install the tanks, which can be rented from the Pittsburgh-based company until a permanent fix is in place.
“The initial cost is $171,000, and the monthly rental fee is $11,400,” Trice said. “At this point, we’re estimating 12 months.”
If the system proves to be an effective solution, the township can work out an agreement to buy the equipment after the rental period and the initial and demobilization fees would be waived.
To proceed, the council must pass a resolution at its March 7 meeting. If approved, the tanks could be installed in a matter of weeks. The proposed fix comes just days after officials decided once again to shut down Well 7 at the North Church Street water treatment plant on Friday. The decision came after a special meeting earlier this month that drew dozens of residents concerned about the water quality in town.