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Gallup Council OK’s Mentmore pump station repair

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Work to start in a matter of weeks, official says

The Gallup City Council unanimously approved an upgrade measure April 26 indirectly related to the city’s wastewater treatment plant.

Since there is no water and sanitation director since the recent resignation of Vince Tovar, City Electric Director Richard Matzke oversees plant operations in the interim.

As such, Matzke told council members at the regular city meeting that the Mentmore lift station provides sewer service to the area west and north of Interstate 40 and Exit 16. He explained that the station is roughly 15 years old and is in need of some repairs. “The station is designed with two pumps to back each other up in case of failure,” Matzke said. “This issue was something that (Vince) discovered and was working on prior to leaving.”

Matzke said one pump at the lift station has failed and the other is of the same vintage. “This proposed project will replace both pumps with an improved design,” he noted. “Also, the pump control systems will be replaced with high-efficiency variable frequency drives. The replacement of existing piping will be required to accommodate new pumps,” Matzke said at the council meeting.

Matzke noted that the exterior of the building will be upgraded as will the adjoining sidewalk, he said.

“This project is complicated by the need to continue operation while equipment is replaced, which will require attention to task scheduling and performing work during peak hours.”

Matzke noted that the cost of the rehabilitation project, to be done by local contracting company Murphy Builders, Inc., is just more than $334,000. Matzke noted that the projects start date will be in a matter of weeks, saying “as soon as the required paperwork is done work crews will begin work.” Matzke said sub-contractors might include the Dallago Corporation and Armored Electric.

Wastewater lift stations are facilities designed to move wastewater from lower to higher elevation, particularly where the elevation of the source is not sufficient for gravity flow.

By Bernie Dotson
Sun Correspondent

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