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1997 09 17 BAWA Minutes• • MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE BAYTOWN AREA WATER AUTHORITY September 17, 1997 The Board of Directors of the Baytown Area Water Authority, Harris County, Texas, met in regular session on Wednesday, September 17, 1997, at 7425 Thompson Road, in the BAWA Conference Room with the following in attendance: Robert L. Gillette, President Dan Mundinger, Vice President Knox Beavers, Board Member Roy L. Fuller, Board Member Absent: Peter R. Buenz, Secretary The meeting opened with a quorum present, and the following business was conducted. Consider Approval of Minutes for the Regular Meeting Held on August 20, 1997 Board Member Fuller moved for approval of the minutes for the regular meeting held on August 20, 1997. Board Member Beavers seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Nays: Board Members Beavers, Fuller, Gillette and Mundinger None 970917-2 • Minutes of the BAWA Meeting — September 17, 1997 Consider Plans and Specifications for the Rehabilitation of Six Water Filters and Authorize Advertising for Bids Last spring an inspector from Leopold, the manufacturer of the filters at the plant, performed a thorough inspection of the filters. The filters have been in use for 16 years. The report indicated certain deficiencies in the filters because of age, changes in technology and changes in regulations. Leopold submitted a proposal on complete rehabilitation of the filters. All 18 inches of the anthracite coal must be removed, as well as the entire 12 inches of sand. Underneath that there are four different sized layers of gravel that must be removed in order to get to the Leopold blocks which are small ceramic tiles that contain holes on top smaller than the gravel. The filtered water travels through to an under drain to the transfer station. When Leopold was at the plant in May, they were unable to get to the ceramic tiles, but on the surface, when looking at the support sand, there are large pits which suggest that the tiles need attention. Once all the media and gravel have been removed, an inspector will determine the repairs needed to the ceramic tiles. After those repairs are effected, new gravel will be placed. This gravel cannot be shoveled in, it must be placed by hand. Once the gravel is placed, the sand and antracite will be poured and the filter will be placed in service. Leopold has suggested that one filter at a time be rehabilitated which will take about a week for each filter. In response to Board inquiry, Tony Brown, Plant Superintendent, responded that the water travels through the filters from the top down. When back washing the filters, water then travels in the reverse in order to avoid disruption of the gravel. Back washing is done at a rate to preserve the sand and anthracite. The surface wash agitators also need rehabilitation after 16 years of use. These are buried 6 inches in the anthracite with an arm that circulates in the sand. The agitators are very important because once the anthracite and sand are fluidized, they make a circle and spray water to break out any debris that the sand and anthracite have trapped. Many of the agitators are inoperable. The cost estimate for the entire project is $150,000. The staff is familiar with three companies in this business. BAWA plans to place individual meters on each filter to measure turbidity. After the filters are rehabilitated, new meters will be installed to meet the individual monitoring that will be required by TNRCC effective November, 1998. After this rehabilitation project, the plant should experience improved water quality and less back washing. Presently, back washing is required twice a week. As the winter months approach, more back washing will be required because of the colder temperature of the water. 970917-3 Minutes of the BAWA Meeting — September 17, 1997 Mr. Brown noted that replacement of ceramic tiles is not included in the $150,000 cost estimate. This will be an unknown until the tiles are uncovered. Board Member Fuller moved to approve the plans and specifications and authorize advertisement for bids. Board Member Beavers seconded the motion. The vote follows: Ayes: Board Members Beavers, Fuller, Gillette and Mundinger Nays: None Manager's Report Water Sales — August water sales were up to 11.62 mgd but the average for the year is 10.5 mgd. The budget is based on 11 mgd. September has been averaging 11.6 mgd. Adjourn There being no further business to be transacted, the meeting was adjourned. L4.4,74.. Dan Mundinger Vice President •