CROMWELL — Turkey Creek Regional Sewer District held a special monthly meeting Wednesday night, Feb. 17, after canceling Monday’s regular meeting. The board met at the Cromwell office for a quick series of updates on the SWAP project and getting the district’s customers ready for the improvements.

Jones and Henry Engineer Brian Houghton met with district superintendent Timothy Woodward on several occasions to discuss which grinder pumps could be a good fit for the district. Each of the nearly 300 customers will be responsible for purchasing the pump and having it installed by a contractor of their choice. However, the district has decided to select one specific pump, a Zoeller, as the standard to be installed. A property owner is required to use this pump (specific make and model), or be able to present specs approved by the district if there is a different pump they wish to purchase.

To decide on the best pump for the district’s needs, Houghton and Woodward ranked each make and model based on warranty, horsepower, price, ease of access and several other factors. ”We have a pump I’d put in my own home,” said Woodward. The men selected a pump that could handle higher flow than average because of the increased use on major holidays around the lakes area such as Memorial Day weekend and the Fourth of July.

For those installing new grinder pumps on their property, this control box will also need to be a visible addition. The red light on top lights up when there is a problem with the pump, providing a very visible indication to homeowners and those providing maintenance. (Photo by Chelsea Los)

The district will also be providing a list of available contractors in the area who have worked with the district before and had their work approved. Although the district does not provide this list as a recommendation, it is expected the list will help customers find a local source for their pump installation. The contractors on the list were made aware of the district’s specifications for the project before agreeing they would be interested in working on the project. The list is being mailed with this month’s bills.

Two local businesses, Don and Sons Excavating and Kline Excavating, both of Syracuse, will also be pump providers through the district. Both businesses will always keep two Zoeller pumps on hand to be able to provide them to customers of the district in a time of emergency. By stationing these providers around the lake area, the district is able to prevent a small pump issue from being a larger one because of proximity.

After grinder pumps are installed, the contractor who did the work will have the responsibility of maintaining the pumps or repairing any issues. If there is an issue, TCRSD employees will be the first to respond, but the installer will be the one responsible for fixing the problem. Property owners will be required to display a control box outside their home so when issues arise, there is a visible warning. A red light on top of the control box alerts when there is a mechanical issue.

The district reported the wastewater treatment plant is about 45 percent complete and crews are working ahead of schedule. Seldge Construction delivered a large portion of the pipe to be used to one of the work sites to begin installation soon. The next district meeting will be held Monday, March 21, at the Cromwell Sewer office.