Vandalism, leak hit Westend water

The Wahkiakum PUD met for the first time in the new year to discuss future issues and projects.

PUD water department supervisor Bill Chamberlain was present to give updates on the Western Wahkiakum Water System (WWWS) and the Puget Island Water System (PIWS).

He explained to the board about the new leak detection equipment and how it is placed. He told the board a minor problem is locating on long distances. He said that he would like some late night leak detection done because home use will sometimes act as a leak and workers are unable to tell the difference.

He said a leak was found on Shannon Road going to the Gray’s River Hatchery and said that workers found a pump running more kilowatt hours than usual. After further investigation, it was found that someone had sheared off an air breaker, and thrown a large rock on the line. He said the meter box was gone and when he approached residents all denied having damaged the line.

Newly elected Commissioner Blair Brady was present and told the board the county appreciates the relationship they have built with the PUD. He thanked the board for all the work the PUD did as a result of the most recent storm and the clearing of trees from power lines. He said he was concerned about the crews and was very happy that no one was hurt.

Manager Dave Tramblie told the board that Commissioner Larry Reese had made contact with the assistant manager of Cowlitz PUD and they have asked Tramblie and auditor Erin Wilson to come discuss software issues later this month. Tramblie said he felt it appropriate for one commissioner to attend the meeting.

Tramblie told the board he received a response from Paul Feedler of Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) regarding a new transmission line. He said the indication made was that it would be fairly expensive to move 2000 feet from the existing location to the possible new substation location.

Commissioner Bob Jungers asked if BPA would retain ownership of the transmission line. Tramblie told Jungers he did not have an answer at this time. Jungers asked that if they did, would it exclude us (PUD) from any further liability. Tramblie said yes and it would be his intention to do everything possible to keep from being under that umbrella.

Estimates have been submitted for the State Route (SR) 409 project from the engineering firm of Gray and Osborne. Tramblie told the board that he was told that construction costs would be $455,000 for the 7100 feet of eight inch water main.

Because the press has requested to record the meetings for the purpose of accuracy, the board discussed whether or not to purchase their own recording equipment for their own records.

PUD Attorney Tim Hanigan said that they would need to consider the costs including equipment costs, storage costs and the possibility of a member of the public requesting a copy of the recorded sessions.

The next regular meeting of the PUD is January 15 at 8:30 a.m.