PUD covers water connections, substation

Potential water customers have until the end of 2012 to take advantage of a fee waiver to encourage new water customers, Wahkiakum PUD commissions decided October 16.

The commissioners voted not to extend the $3500 system development fee waiver currently in place. It will expire December 31 of this year. At their last meeting, the commissioners clarified that the waiver would be honored for new water customers who request work estimates and pay a deposit by the end of the year, even if the actual work is completed in 2013.

Manager Dave Tramblie reported that the transformer for the PUD’s new substation arrived and was installed last week. Energization of the new substation is on track for the end of the year.

Commissioner Bob Jungers commented that attendees at last week’s Chamber of Commerce meeting spoke positively about the PUD’s proactive approach to infrastructure development. The new substation will be needed as energy consumption grows in the PUD’s service area. The existing substation approaches near-peak capacity during the winter months, Tramblie has said in the past.

Jungers said he was asked at the Chamber meeting if the PUD had considered building and operating a sewer system on Puget Island. A local realtor attending the meeting shared that the cost of installing one of the engineered septic systems required for developing a building lot on the island can be in excess of $40,000, Jungers reported.

“It would be interesting to take the pulse of residents via a questionnaire in Puget Island water system bills,” he suggested.

“There might be a point in the future where the EPA mandates it. That’s the way things seem to be going,” said Commissioner Dennis Reid.

“At this time, the Corps of Engineers will not grant permits that require excavation through the dike,” Tramblie informed the commissioners.

Auditor Erin Wilson reported that the residential energy assistance fund balance stands at $508. The money is used to help eligible low-income customers keep the heat on in their homes.

The commissioners discussed a draft resolution authorizing a loan from the reserve fund of the PUD’s electric department to the Western Wahkiakum Water System, but decided to revisit the matter at their next meeting.