Council approves new dewatering equipment at sewer treatment plant

BERLIN – The city council Monday night approved a proposal to replace the existing dewatering equipment at the city's wastewater treatment facility with different technology. While the cost of the project is estimated at just under $1 million, the city's consultant said it will cost less to operate and will remove a higher percentage of water from the sludge than other options.

Chris Dwinal of Wright-Pierce said his company was hired to evaluate the dewatering equipment. The current centrifuges are 19 years old although the city spent $150,000 three years ago to rebuild them. Dwinal said the centrifuges are very loud and their reliability is in question.