Sparta Aldermen authorized an emergency purchase after both pumps failed at the aging Craig Rock Sewer Station, forcing the city to rely on temporary equipment to keep wastewater flowing.
Public Works Director Dillard Quick said crews have been unable to locate replacement seals needed to rebuild the existing motors. Quick said the city is urgently pursuing both repairs and a possible replacement, but has not received a cost estimate for a new station.
“We’ve not broken any TDEC rules and nothing’s been on the ground,” Quick said. “Everything is contained in the pump station, so we’re we’re doing everything you know, by the books.”
Quick said two suppliers could provide a replacement station, although delivery would likely take at least eight to 12 weeks. The temporary bypass system requires daily refueling and consumes approximately 10 to 15 gallons of diesel each day.
The board authorized the emergency purchase without establishing a spending amount, allowing officials to proceed once replacement equipment and pricing become available rather than waiting for another meeting.
“We have a bypass pump working to reroute the sewer from the station to the line and we’re trying to get some pricing,” Quick said.
Quick said Sparta operates 33 sewer pump stations, with relatively few sharing interchangeable parts because of differences in equipment brands and sizes. If replacement becomes necessary, the city plans to pursue an above-ground station instead of the existing underground configuration.