Pe Ell agrees to water plan

WORRIES: Major anxious about $2.5 million price of new treatment plant

PE ELL - Pe Ell town officials have signed an agreed order with the state Health Department, identifying steps the town will take to improve its drinking water.

County health officials issued a boil-water order April 14 that may be in effect through February 1999.

"This is a very positive step," said Ellen Winningham, state compliance manager for the Health Department's drinking water division.

Mayor John Penberth expressed concern Thursday, as he has before, about how the town will pay the estimated $2.5 million for a new water treatment plant. The town also must replace nearly seven miles of water piping.

"I don't see how we can do that without a lot of outside help and money," Penberth said. "I have no idea where the money's going to come from."

In the near term, the order, signed Tuesday, states Pe Ell will do the following:

• Notify water customers the drinking water has not met state standards.
• Monitor bacteria in the water five times a month.
• Operate and maintain disinfection equipment as required by the state.
• Apply for grant and loan funding to upgrade the water system.
• Make improvements at the plant.
• Install new service meters.
• Detect and repair water line leaks.
• Submit a project report and construction documents by Aug. 1 for review by the Health Department.

Long term improvements must be completed by Feb. 1, 2002, and should give the town a new treatment plant and piping.
Back to Contamination Index Page
Back to Whats New Index Page
Back to Chehalis River Council Index Page