Richard D. L. Fulton

(2/3) Emmitsburg Town Manager Cathy Willets stated at February 3 town meeting that the long-term fix to cure the town’s brown water blight could cost more than $3 million, $1.3 million more than last month's estimate.

The $3 million figure would address replacing three major problematic pipeline areas, including portions of Waynesboro Pike at Tract Road, North Seton Avenue and DePaul St.. The cost of replacing the North Seton Ave. section is now estimated at more than $1,131,689, while replacing similar pipes along Waynesboro Pike is estimated at more than $1,125,112, and DePaul St. is estimated at more than $749,497.

At the January 6 commissioners' meeting, Willets estimated that the cost of replacing the three sections would amount to more than $1.75 million, but stated February 3 that a further review resulted in the increase in estimated costs, none of which include engineering costs which would be in addition.

The town manager previously stated, given the pace of pursuing and applying for grant money, the Waynesboro Pike, North Seton Ave. and DePaul St. projects could take up to two years to fully implement.

However, in the interim, town staff and the commissioners continue to seek short-term fixes that can be more reasonably implemented to ease the brown water problem.

Some of the short-term fixes have already been completed, including ordering a new pilot regulator for the Frailey Road pressure reducing valve, and a new diaphragm for the Brookfield pressure reducing valve, both of which could have been contributing factors in the brown water issue, according to Willets. Two imminent, planned improvements include installing a new six-inch line under Waynesboro Pike at a cost of $23,000, and a new line installed at Tract Road at a cost of $6,800.

In addition, the town manager reported, the state Department of the Environment (MDE) has taken samples from various locations in-town and the town staff is awaiting the analysis results. MDE will be testing for iron, manganese, lead, copper, and bacteria, and for turbidity, pH and chlorine levels.

Previous testing reportedly affirmed that the water is safe to drink in that contaminants are not above federal and state limits. Willets further stated, "MDE stated (the brown water) is not a health concern (and) that is why there hasn't been any immediate action from outside agencies."

Given the magnitude of the repairs necessary to address the brown water event, the town will have to rely predominantly on grants and loans, and has been in communication with MDE, the federal Department of Agriculture, and the state Department of Housing & Community Development regarding funding aid.

Willets previously stated it could take up to two years to address the Waynesboro Pike, North Seton Ave. and DePaul St. problems. Town staff continues to work to develop short- and long-term plans to remediate the drinking water discoloration issue.