The RV Dump Station located at the Public Works Building on “B” Street was shut down on September 16th due to being clogged with something City crews could not clear despite several attempts.
To unclog the system, crews would need to cut through concrete and asphalt, remove pipe, clear the clog, then put everything back together. The cost to perform that work is estimated at $6,000 – 10,000. By shutting the site down, utility crews do not have to unclog the system, saving that cost.
Our utility crews are called out to this site several times per week to clear blockages from the pump, pick up trash, fix leaks, etc. This requires a lot of manpower from a small team that is trying to keep your entire city running smoothly.
Neighbors often complain that people are removing their clothing to bathe at the pump station. This is unsanitary for the bather, not to mention unpleasant for the neighbors.
The City receives numerous reports each month regarding commercial vehicles both dumping waste and filling extremely large tanks with the onsite water. The City purchases all of our water from DVWD. This is an expenditure the City (taxpayers) should not be paying.
The dump station was first opened in the 1990’s when there weren’t any other options available to the public. Now there are other options available at Chevron (Circle K), Love’s Travel Center and at the Fairgrounds RV site.
To install a functioning electronic payment system at the site would cost approximately $6,500.00 not including costs for installation of underground cabling and monthly charges for internet and contract services. Even with a charge similar to the other locations in town, the dump station would not generate enough revenue to cover equipment costs and support a person to monitor the site.
The Madras wastewater system utilizes a very sensitive bacterial colony that converts and settles down solid waste. If any sort of chemical gets into the system, it kills that sensitive bacteria and the waste cannot be broken down. Re-establishing the bacterial colony is costly and labor intensive.
For these reasons and more, the City Council has agreed with the Public Works department that the site should be shut down permanently. If you have questions or concerns about this, please contact Michele Quinn at mquinn@cityofmadras.us.
Original source can be found here.
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