An issue with the oxidation ditch at the North Judson Wastewater Treatment plant was brought up to Town Council members when they met last week.
Town Superintendent Joe Leszek informed members that a bearing on the south paddle went out and noted that they’ve had problems with it in the past. He stated that upon further inspection, an underlying problem was identified.
He explained, “Once we started digging into it, we found the cause of what caused the bearing to go out is that the shaft was actually worn.”
Leszek presented members with a purchase order from Lakeside Equipment for $2,051 to pay for the replacement bearing.
He noted that they have to go through Lakeside Equipment because they are the only company that can supply the replacement parts since they created the ditch. That PO was approved.
Leszek said he also received a verbal cost estimate for the replacement shaft and was told it would be $3,500.
However, he said he wants to get some more information to verify that they’re looking at the same part before anything is officially approved. He noted that once he has the details for the cost of the shaft, he will present that purchase order to the council for consideration.
CommonWealth Project Engineer Rob Bellucci informed council members that there is a possibility that the Town could be reimbursed for the cost of the equipment if there are contingency funds available once their Wastewater Project concludes.
Town Superintendent Lezek said the ditch will still function with one paddle but emphasized that it’s important that both are in working order before the wintertime because they keep the ditch from freezing up.
