$5.4M needed for Angels sewer

A sewer system master plan for the city of Angels Camp identifies an estimated $5.4 million in improvements for the system during the next 10 years.

Consultants from Nolte Vertical Five, a Florida-based company with offices in Manteca, reviewed the city’s system and identified upgrades necessary to accommodate the growth projected in the city’s general plan land use document, said consultant Dave Richard during Tuesday’s City Council session.

The study showed 19,252 feet of sewer pipe is needed to increase capacity, according to analyst Justin Peterson. About a third of that length is targeted for replacement with larger diameter pipe. 

Most of that piping is along Vallecito Road and Finnegan Lane leading to the city’s wastewater treatment plant, the study showed.

The analysis also showed the city should improve its sludge-drying equipment to remove more heavy liquid from biosolids that have to be hauled off and paid by weight.

Richard said the city has enough system capacity to handle projected growth but the study focused on “operational enhancements to make the system operate efficiently.”

The study also recommends adding a supervisor to improve management of the system as the city has a staffing level “on the low side” of what is typical for a city of its size, Richard said.

He added that the cost of the upgrades identified “aligns well with what you’re currently allocating for sewer operations and sewer improvements.”

Vice Mayor Jack Lynch said he was particularly impressed by the report’s focus on negating problems with “inflow and infiltration” rampant in aging systems like the one in Angels Camp.

Richard replied that state agencies that award grants for system improvements typically ask first about what a public entity is doing to reduce “I&I” before doling out funds.

The study cost $79,970, allocated by the council in August 2011 using community development block grant funds.