Project updates

(1/12) Green Street Project delayed by weather

Town Manager Sean Williams updated the burgess and commissioners on the Green Street Project in January. Delays due to winter weather have caused a halt in the flushing (or cleaning out) of the lines, the next step in the long-awaited project.

The Project entails the replacement of a trenchless structural storm drainpipe lining, sidewalk, curb, and gutter installation and repaving. This necessary work is a direct result of the wear and tear on the over 50-year-old galvanized pipes that are showing signs of severe deterioration.

A bid was accepted for $453,432 for all labor, materials and equipment in October. This bid will replace 530 linear feet of corrugated metal pipelining and is considered a "middle of the road" option. Williams also explained that the replacement lines would not be installed until warmer months, which is also when paving will be done and the sidewalks, curbs and gutters will be poured.

At future meetings, the Council will also be discussing turning Green Street into a one-way for its entire length, with parking being restricted to the second portion of Green Street on the Maple Avenue side.

Planning continues for Discovery water main replacement

Another large and expensive project for the Town is the Discovery Water Main Replacement. Discovery, a community outside of Walkersville town proper, utilizes the Town's water services for an additional fee even though it is not technically in town. The pipes in Discovery are old and the last five water line breaks have been within Discovery, thus putting them at the front of the repair list.

Out of the estimated 650 homes impacted by the water main replacement, the first phase will cover around 163 single family homes, about 75% of the single-family homes in total. No townhomes will be included in the first phase of work.

Williams said a meeting was held with the Discovery community's HOA where over 120 notices of the impending work were handed out. He also said that around 20 residents attended the meeting, where they discussed the timeline of the Project and other construction details.

At November's meeting, an estimate of $3,661,325 was accepted, with $2.8 million available in ARPA funds dedicated to the Project. With a plan in place, Williams pointed out that the Town will be looking into grants to help pay for the rest of the Project.

Lead pipe mandate work continues

Lastly, the Council was updated on the Lead and Copper Rule Revision (LCRR) mandate that was released by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2021. The mandate requires every lead and galvanized pipe in the Nation to be replaced by 2034. A complete service line material inventory and replacement plan was required to be completed by October 2024.

According to Director of Public Works Joseph Birch, they still have a few "unknowns" on the Town’s side. "I cannot say we are 100% lead free due to the unknowns," he confirmed. He did not say how many on the homeowner's side were known or unknown.

Homeowners are financially responsible for any lead or galvanized pipes from their residence to the closest water main. The Town is responsible for any pipes from the water main to the treatment plant. Thankfully, grants are available to aid in paying for the replacements and the Town will be looking into applying for some of them.