Turkey Creek Sewer Reverses 65 Percent of Flow
CROMWELL — It was a celebratory meeting Monday, May 20, for the Turkey Creek Regional Sewer District board and employees. After months of debate, increased bills and delayed contracts the district officially flipped the switch on the town of Syracuse. On Tuesday, May 14, 65 percent of the flow previously treated by Syracuse and billed to the district was re-directed back to TCRSD’s new lift station on East Eli Lilly Road.
It was a proud moment for the board — one that came after a trying period of unanswered questions and massive bills. However, not all the celebrating is done yet. During the monthly meeting, the district heard from Jones & Henry Project Engineer John Magsam final touches are right on track for full reversal by May 31. Even after delays caused by CSX and private contractors, the board is on schedule to cut out and cap off any existing pipe leading to Syracuse by the end of the month.
The district board also celebrated a couple special anniversaries with the help of district superintendent Timothy Woodward. Woodward presented Robert Dumford with a custom-made award for his 28 years of service to the district. Dumford laughed as he accepted the beautiful plaque with the addition of a section of sewer pipe, noting his 28th anniversary with the district falls on his marriage anniversary as well.
“You’ve just bailed me out,” laughed Dumford, “May 20 happens to be our anniversary and I hadn’t gotten her a gift yet!” Woodward estimated Dumford has donated somewhere between 6,000 to 8,000 hours of his time to the district, never accepting pay.
Indiana’s fickle weather has brought challenges for the contractors, including lost pipe and muddy working conditions. As the ground continues to dry out (for now), contractors are slotted to pour concrete for the additional clarifier tank at the plant next week.
TCRSD also finalized the decision to add attorney Andrew Boxberger of Carson LLP to the team. Boxberger cited his 17 years of municipal law experience as one of the best reasons he could assist the district, naming numerous sewer districts he currently represents. Woodward wasted no time getting Boxberger up to speed, noting several times during his plant overview he would be working closely with Boxberger on some pending items.
Following the transfer of new flow and 3-inch rains, Woodward felt confident in the TCRSD systems and processes, noting no issues arose after the heavy rains. He also spoke of several local developers who want to add sewer and felt confident it would be a win-win for the district and those new homeowners.
The district will meet again 7 p.m. Monday, June 17.