PUD commission reviews infrastructure

During a short meeting Tuesday, Wahkiakum Public Utility District commissioners reviewed the district’s plan to maintain and replace its infrastructure.

Gene Healy accepted his new role as president and began by thanking Commissioner Dennis Reid for his term.

Manager Dave Tramblie reviewed a System Improvements Summary that the engineering firm Brown and Kysar had prepared, which outlined a systematic plan in four year blocks from 2009 through 2023.

“The utility basically rebuilds its system every 30 to 50 years,” he said.

According to the plan, a utility should review its system improvement plan each year with an eye to load growth, changes in technology and regulation.

The biggest project this year is the $2.9 million Wahkiakum substation, which gives the system increased reliability. Tramblie said he hoped to see the project completed by December.

Reviewing the plan, Tramblie noted some work had been completed, and some work was unnecessary. The PUD will continue replacing polybutylene pipe on Puget Island in the summer.

Tramblie said he thought an automated meter reading system should be seriously considered after the substation is completed.

In other business, Attorney Tim Hanigan reported that issues with the Town of Cathlamet water contract have not been resolved. The PUD buys the water from the Town to serve Puget Island.

The commissioners authorized Tramblie to dispose of 102 pieces of equipment that are no longer functional, which should bring about $6900.

The PUD has received six inquiries about new water service from both the west side of the county and Puget Island property owners, related to its hook-up fee waiver.

The board held an executive session to complete the manager’s personnel evaluation.