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This page was last edited on 7/07/2008

Web Changes

This is where we'll announce the most recent additions to our web site. If you've visited us before and want to know what's changed, take a look here first.

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2007 Water Quality Report posted on 7/07/2008

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2006 Water Quality Report posted on 5/14/2007

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7/13/2006: a new page has been added to the web site related to mercury and its impact to the environment and human health.  Go here.

bullet 2005 Water Quality Report posted on 4/27/2006
bullet 2004 Water Quality Report posted on 6/14/2005

News:

bullet October, 2007:
bullet Wastewater Department:
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Advertising of bids for construction of the new Wastewater Treatment Plant began September 25th. The bids are scheduled to be opened on November 1st at 12 noon.

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Work has started on several sanitary sewer projects funded through the State of Ohio Issue 1 program. The projects include: replacement of the sewer in the vicinity of the Utility Office on Spring Street., two repairs on West Spring Street, and construction of a new 15" relief sewer between the intersection of Spruce and Oil streets and the Northeast Pump Station at the end of Gordon Grove. A mechanical and electrical upgrade at the Northeast Pump Station is included.

bullet September, 2007:
bullet Water Department:
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Two water distribution projects have been completed: replacement of a 4" water main on Oliver St., between Webb and Buckeye, and replacement of a 4" water main on Axe St., between Columbia and Cleveland. We hope to complete two more projects yet this year: a connection between Hillcrest Dr. and Keel Dr. (Canal View Estates development) and a new connection under the river and canal between Canal View Estates and River Rd.

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Wastewater Department:
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The most recent cost estimate for construction of the new Wastewater Treatment Plant is $12.971 million, not including contingencies, which is pretty close to what has previously been discussed. Our consultant has done an excellent job staying within their original estimates.

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Design of the new Wastewater Treatment Plant is progressing.  "Permit to Install" plans were submitted to Ohio EPA in May and our consultant is currently addressing comments issued by the Agency. Plans were submitted for Ohio Building Code approval in August. Current plans are to bid and award construction in November 2007.

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USEPA has approved our application to utilize the $500,000 Federal appropriation the City received in fiscal year 2005. We will soon begin to be reimbursed for the City's allowable share of design costs.

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We intend to submit an application to Ohio EPA for a loan through their Water Pollution Control Loan Fund (WPCLF) program by October 1, 2007, for financing of the new treatment plant.

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Family Aquatic Center:
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The Family Aquatic Center last day of operation was September 3rd (Labor Day).

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Attendance was very good throughout the season. We believe a new daily record was set June 7th when attendance totaled 1,101.

bullet May, 2007:
bullet Water Department:
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The project to repaint the exterior of the McKinley Rd. water tower has been completed.  The tower was returned to service May 14th.

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The 4" water main on Oliver St. between Webb and Buckeye streets has been replaced with a 6" plastic main.

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Wastewater Department:
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Design of the new Wastewater Treatment Plant is progressing.  We are on schedule to submit "Permit to Install" plans to Ohio EPA in June of this year.

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Ohio EPA completed their review of our application to utilize the $500,000 Federal appropriation the City received in fiscal year 2005 and forwarded it to USEPA.  The money will be used to reimburse the City for new treatment plant design costs.

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The second phase of the sewer rate increase approved by City Council in 2006 became effective April 1, 2007.  This phase was a 20% increase.

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Family Aquatic Center:
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The Family Aquatic Center is scheduled to open Saturday, May 26th (Memorial Day weekend).

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All rates will remain unchanged from last year.

bullet January, 2007:
bullet Water Department:
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Significant efforts were directed toward the City wells during the second half of 2006.  Well #5 was repaired after a severe vibration damaged the pump.  Well #4 was rehabilitated and returned to service after several years of no use.  An application for a site waiver was submitted to Ohio EPA that, if granted, will permit repairs to #2 well.  The casing in this well has deteriorated and requires that a liner be installed.

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A contract to repaint the exterior of the McKinley Rd. water tower has been awarded to Scrub-A-Home, the same company who painted the Main St. tower in 2004.  Work is scheduled to be completed by May 25, 2007.

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Planning for water main projects scheduled to be completed in 2007 are being finalized.  Bigger projects include: replacing the main on Oliver St. between Webb and Buckeye streets, replacing the main on Axe St. between Columbia and Oil streets, and installing a large main loop under the canal and river on the north side of the City.

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Wastewater Department:
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Design of the new Wastewater Treatment Plant is progressing.  We hope to complete design and begin construction yet this year.

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Ohio EPA has placed the City on its "Project Priority Intend to Fund" list for the 2007 Water Pollution Control Loan Fund (WPCLF) program, which provides low-interest (currently 3.5%) financing for wastewater improvements and has other advantages over more conventional financing.

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One major sanitary sewer project is scheduled for 2007, paid for through a State of Ohio Issue 1 Grant.  One portion of the project will address flow capacities in the northwest portion of the City through installation of a new sewer main between Spruce St. and the Northeast pump station at the end of Gordon Gr.  The pump station will receive an electrical and mechanical upgrade at the same time.  Other potions of the project include relocating the sanitary sewer in the vicinity of the Utility Office to facilitate replacement of the parking deck and lining two large sewers (one on West Spring St., the other north of Holly St.).

bullet July, 2006:
bullet Water Department:
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Ohio EPA recently did a compliance survey of our chemical laboratory to certify that analysts follow protocol while testing our drinking water.  As a result of the survey, analysts and the laboratory received Ohio EPA certification for chemical analysis through June 2009.

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City crews are currently extending water services into the Harmon's Landing area.  Residents in the area petitioned for the extension several years ago.

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Wastewater Department:
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Our SECAP study, which will guide sanitary sewer system improvements over the next several years, was accepted by Ohio EPA on March 28, 2006.

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The City's wastewater consultant has started design of the new Wastewater Treatment Plant.  Design is expected to last about one year.  Estimated design costs are $850,000.  Of that amount, $481,100 can be reimbursed to the City through the 2005 fiscal year Federal appropriation we received.  The plant will be constructed on City-owned-land adjacent to the existing one.

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Family Aquatic Center:
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Attendance has been high when the weather cooperates.

 

bullet March, 2006:
bullet Water Department:
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City crews are currently cleaning several treatment basins at the water treatment plant.

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We are preparing to have a contractor inspect #2 well.  This will involve removing the pump and an underwater inspection of the casing pipe and the well bore using a small video camera.

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Plans for water main work for the 2006 year are being finalized.

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Wastewater Department:
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St. Marys City Council recently enacted legislation that raises sewer rates 65 percent over three years (25% effective April 1, 2006, 20% effective April 1, 2007, and 20% effective April 1, 2008).  Consumers will see the increases in their May bills each year.

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Our SECAP study, which will guide sanitary sewer system improvements, was submitted to Ohio EPA on March 7, 2006.

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Family Aquatic Center:
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We will soon begin preparing the facility for the 2006 season.  All rates will remain the same as last year.

 
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January, 2006:
bullet Water Department:
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The McKinley Rd. water tower inspection report was received from our consultant January 6th.  Overall, the tower is in excellent condition.  The study states that the paint on the tower is twelve years old and near the end of its useful life, and recommends repainting both the exterior ($167,000 estimated cost) and interior ($145,000 estimated cost) surfaces.  We plan to do the exterior in 2006 and the interior in 2007.

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City crews are currently rebuilding two of the sand filters at the water treatment plant.  The filters remove very fine particles from our drinking water and are the last stage in the treatment process.

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Wastewater Department:
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The contractor for the sanitary sewer replacement project on Front St. has completed all work except final pavement repairs, which will be addressed this Spring.

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Work progresses on the three studies currently being done by our wastewater consultant.  The treatment plant facilities study was completed in October 2005.  It recommends the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant, at an estimated cost of $11.8 million.  Design of the new plant will begin in 2006.  The sewer rate study is almost complete.  City Council will address legislation to raise rates early in 2006.  The SECAP study, which will guide sanitary sewer system improvements, is also progressing.  It must be submitted to Ohio EPA by March 8, 2006.

 

 
Send mail to dsprague@cityofstmarys.net with questions or comments about this web site.