News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Byrdstown has completed restorations to its clear well under its water plant.
The storage serves as the last stage of disinfecting before the water goes to customers. Mayor Sam Gibson told the Board of Aldermen Monday night the town saved about $5,000 on the project.
“We saved a little bit of money with them being able to do the pumping on the other side and cleaning it out,” Gibson said. “So we saved a little bit of funds that we approved. So that’s finished.”
Gibson said during the work, the water storage was completely drained. The contractor then removed the sludge and replaced the concrete barriers. Gibson said chemical use over time deteriorated the concrete walls.
Water Plant Super Superintendent Buster Harmon said the storage had not been cleaned out for over 30 years. Harmon said the clear wells have been back in service for about a week with no issues.
“Everything is clean and good,” Harmon said. “I’m pleased with the work.”
The Board of Aldermen approved the work in November of last year. W & O Construction conducted the work. The approved bid was about $91,000. Harmon said it took several weeks for the mortar and sealant to dry on the new concrete.
In other business, Gibson said the county is still waiting on TDEC feedback on its settling basin project. Pickett County agreed to use its TDEC infrastructure money from the American Rescue Plan to fund the work. The ponds are used to control water pollution by using gravity to suspend and remove waste.
Chamber of Commerce Director Billy Robbins gave a report on the Toyota Series bass tournament at Dale Hollow Lake. Robbins said several thousand pounds of fish were caught.
Robbins said he believes the event was a success for the community. Byrdstown will host its own fishing tournament the weekend of April 29th. Gibson said the town anticipates over 150 boats.
Gibson also updated the board on its ongoing paving project across from city hall. Gibson said the plan is to add more green space close to the funeral home next door.
