Providing Grosse Ile residents with safe water to drink is a major responsibility of the Public Works Department. Removal of solid waste via contract operation and the operation of the sanitary sewage system are also of vital importance. Continued improvements such as an automated pressure and flow monitoring system (now in progress) and the addition of a GIS System will enhance systems operations.
The growth of the sewer and water system has increased in Grosse Ile and gone from a handful of customers to serving over 11,000 residents at present. This year’s budget figures are as follows: Water $1,396,769; Sewer $1,370,242; Refuse $751,511; with a total yearly budget of $4,272,317.
Our responsibilities and service continue to evolve in order to meet the changing needs of the community. The commitment and dedication of our employees and staff will make certain the path to the future is always in sight.
The Public Works Board was formed in the 1930’s as the Water Board and it progressed to a Public Works Board in 1936. In 1965 bonds for the original water project were satisfied. At this point in time, absorption into the Township was accomplished, thereby converting the enterprise into a Commission under authority of the Township Board.
The sewer system was added at a later date. The construction of the original system was placed under control of Wayne County as a drainage district. Following several years of service, the Township determined that the operation of the sewer system could be run more efficiently under Township auspices. A contract operations firm was hired (Williams & Works). The company (now known as Earth Tech) still operates the sewage treatment facility under Township guidance.
Refuse, which began as “homeowner initiated,” graduated to Township billing and management of a contract operation. Recycling has progressed from a small “recycling site” to curbside pickup. Additionally, to follow state law, Grosse Ile Township now seasonally picks up yard waste. The yard waste must be taken to a compost facility where it is decomposed and will be used for topsoil.
Lead and copper testing for 2000, along with the normal monthly testing, prove that the water provided to our residents is of high quality. The DPW Maintenance responded to 68 water main breaks from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2000. Water loss is continuing to decline as more meters are replaced. Progress in our long-term water main replacement program will ensure reductions in water main breaks and interruptions in service. Completion of the West River Road water main replacement as well as the Groh Road water main replacement has provided a complete link of 12-inch water main from the two main distribution lines (24” main on Grosse Ile Parkway, and 16” main on Meridian).
Replacement of a portion of South Pointe was added within the original engineering estimates. This will provide increased volume and pressure to the Southwest portion of the Island for residential use and fire protection.
Bio solids disposal is undergoing a drastic change. The construction of the lime stabilization tank has been completed and is in use. The bio solids are being land applied (off island) instead of incinerated. This is a useful reuse of resources. The program to reduce the introduction of non-polluted water into the sewage system is continuing. Televising, cleaning, grouting and manhole repairs are some of the tools being used as we repair or replace parts of the system. Additionally, flow monitoring has been instituted to provide information to isolate zones of infiltration. The wastewater treatment plant, operated by EarthTech (contract operations), treated 648.7 million gallons of sewerage this past year.
The sewer system is currently under a Sewer System Evaluation Study (SSES) Order. The removal of infiltration (rainwater) and inflow (river water) from the sanitary collection system is now a requirement of the wastewater plants discharge permit. Engineering, flow studies, and smoke testing will help determine the most effective manner of dealing with the problem. As part of the Sewer System Evaluation Study, Spalding DeDecker, Inc. has been hired to study any problems within Grosse Ile’s sewer lines and determine possible solutions. Spalding DeDecker has been visible in the township throughout the year inspecting manholes, sewer testing and televising the sewer lines to determine where there might be problems. A report outlining the finding must be submitted to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality by February 1, 2001.
Refuse, yard waste and recyclables collection will continue under contract to Abcor. Changes in location of the City of Taylor’s compost facility may necessitate relocation of the disposal of yard waste. We continue to research additional recyclable material pickup services. In the last year, we hauled and land filled 6,026.86 tons of trash, and 5,796 yards of yard waste. Our recycling program collected and recycled 975,800 pounds of material. This year the Public Works Commission voted to permanently extend the collection of yard waste through November 30 each year.
2000-2001 Annual Report
Printed from Grosse Ile Online
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