|
|
|
ANNUAL REPORT
Use the links below to jump to specific sections of the Annual Report for the Public Services Department.
Engineering Division return to top
The Engineering Division develops and manages the Town's infrastructure improvement program. The replacement and rehabilitation of roads, bridges, buildings, sidewalks, and traffic improvements are accomplished using professional engineering expertise, GIS, construction management, contract administration, and drafting services.
Engineering services are provided on a regular basis to the Town Manager; Planning and Recreation Departments; Highway, Water and Wastewater Divisions; and Planning Board. Other departments requiring engineering assistance include the School Department, Police Department, and Senior Services Department. These services include construction management, plan and specification review, drafting and contract development and administration.
Accomplishments 2005 - 2006
- North Road and Saugatucket Road intersection repaving completed
- Emergency Water Interconnect and Meter Pit engineering oversight completed
- Peace Dale Intermodal Parking Lot granite curbing and paving completed
- Town Hall roof contract- Awarded and completed
- Tree maintenance contract completed
- Town-wide striping contract completed
- Heather Hollow Road drainage improvement engineering completed
- Kingstown Road/ Bike Path sidewalk design and permit approval completed
- Curtis Corner Road (South Road to Route 108) reconstruction project commenced
- Saugatucket Greenway design services awarded
- Tree and stump removal contract awarded
- Roadway stone sealing and crack sealing projects awarded
- Dale Carlia Stormwater Drainage Study - ongoing
- Johnnycake Trail drainage design - ongoing
- Phase II Stormwater Management Plan implementation- ongoing
- Mautucket Road drainage project design - ongoing
- Silver Lake Bridge reconstruction design - ongoing
- Inspection and coordination of Town-wide developments - in-house inspection ongoing
- Survey of miscellaneous projects for property line clarification, etc. - ongoing
- Coordination and review of RIDOT design and construction projects - ongoing
- Transportation and Traffic Review Committee - ongoing
- GIS DPS input of sidewalks, sewer, water, and hurricane preparedness - ongoing
Goals 2006 - 2007
- Saugatucket Greenway design services - awarded
- Wakefield Pedestrian bridge and approach reconstruction project - awarded
- Downtown parking lot reconstruction - awarded
- Curtis Corner Road reconstruction (South Rd to Asa Pond Rd) - completion
- Broad Rock Road reconstruction (Saugatucket Road to Route 138) - completion
- Roadway stone sealing project - ongoing
- Roadway crack sealing project - ongoing
- Pond Street (Main Street to Route 1) – In-house design and bid award completed
- Mautucket Road drainage and road reconstruction project – advertise for Phase 1
- Town-wide striping project - ongoing
- Tree maintenance program - ongoing
Highway Division return to top
The Highway Division has direct responsibility for maintenance and improvement of the Town roads, bridges, dams, storm drainage and related infrastructure. In addition to routine right-of-way duties, the Highway Division is also responsible for providing support services to other various Town departments where third party subcontractor work is not warranted, or when preparation of bidding documents for smaller projects becomes too time consuming.
Accomplishments 2005 - 2006
ROAD/RIGHT-OF-WAY MAINTENANCE
- Swept 150 miles of Town roads
- Performed sweeping of roads prior to stone sealing
- Performed roadside mowing of all Town rights-of-way
- Performed municipal pothole repairs on an as needed basis
- Performed trimming and chipping program for large diameter brush and trees as needed
- Performed annual spring regrading of Town and private roads (approximately 45 miles)
- Cleaned a total of 63 cubic yards of material from 112 storm water catch basins and 12 drainage manholes with "jet- vac" truck, with all catch basin data electronically collected for Phase 2 storm water reporting purposes
- Performed monthly application of mosquito larvicide during the summer months for all 2,496 municipal catch basins and 26 detention ponds.
DRAINAGE
- Heather Hollow Road drainage improvements completed
- Replaced Broad Rock Road cross culverts prior to Broad Rock Road reconstruction
- New catch basins installed to improve water runoff in problem areas on an as-needed basis
- Performed culvert cleaning
- Made repairs to catch basins structures, frames and grates on an as-needed basis
TRAFFIC CONTROL
- Replaced traffic control and street signs on an as needed basis
- Painted all crosswalks and parking stalls on state and municipal streets and schools
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
- In-house maintenance staff performed all routine maintenance and repairs to the following equipment: 28 police and 5 emergency vehicles; 27 pickups; 15 cars and vans; 20 heavy duty dump trucks; 1 catch basin cleaning vac truck; 6 pieces of H/D diesel construction equipment (2 backhoes, payloader, grader, 2 street sweepers); 3 H/D on- and off-road mowers; 7 pieces of miscellaneous construction equipment (i.e. compressors, chippers, etc.); 20 pieces of equipment, including trailers, chain saws, trimmers, mowers, generators; and all other miscellaneous equipment required by Town forces.
SNOWPLOWING/DEICING
- Highway Division personnel continued to provide seasonal snow removal and sanding duties as required by employing 21 plow routes and 10 sanding routes.
- A comparison of storm related activities during FY 2005-2006 vs. FY2004-2005 is as follows:
| |
2005 |
2006 |
| OT Hours Highway Forces |
804*/2,226** |
450*/516** |
| OT Hours Non-Highway Forces |
272* / 1,272** |
471*/877** |
| Cubic Yards of Deicing Sand |
4,908 |
1,540 |
| Tons of Road Salt |
2,231 |
1,726 |
| * Comp time / ** Overtime |
- $126,930 was budgeted for snow removal labor and materials for the 2005-2006 fiscal year; however, $116,646 or 91.9% was actually expended.
MISCELLANEOUS PROJECTS
- Installed Peace Dale parking lot granite curbing/performed pavement finish grading preparation
- Worked with the Water Division to install a reinforced concrete meter vault for the United Water Rhode Island interconnection
- Constructed Route 108 sidewalks from Sweet Fern Lane to South County Bike Path
- Procured and maintained Homeland Security equipment and supplies for use by all Town Departments
- Spring sweeping of sidewalks
Goals 2006 - 2007
- Continue catch basin cleaning; grading of gravel roads; roadside mowing; and traffic control line painting
- Construct missing segment of Biscuit City Road sidewalks
- Prepare roads for stone sealing application and oversee work of contractor
- Continue monthly application of mosquito larvicide to all catch basins and detention ponds each summer
- Remove and replace damaged curbing and sidewalks in Wakefield and Peace Dale
- Construct on-going municipal storm water drainage projects
Onsite Wastewater Management return to top
The Public Services Department is charged with enforcing the mandatory on-site wastewater management (OWM) inspection program passed by the Town Council on October 15, 2001. This program will be phased in over a seven-year period and requires a mandatory First Maintenance Inspection of all ISDS and Cesspools. Based on the initial inspection, a schedule for future inspections and pumpouts will be established.
Accomplishments 2005 - 2006
- 4,412 inspection notices have been sent to residents to date. Of these notices, 4,008 inspections have been completed. The inspections have identified 125 failed systems and 374 cesspools.
- 11 Community Septic System Loan Program (CSSLP) loans were awarded during FY2005-2006 in the amount of $180,950. A total of 35 loans in the amount of $387,292 have been awarded since CSSLP began.
- 239 mandatory routine maintenance inspection notices were sent to property owners.
- 331 mandatory pumping notices sent to homeowners needing their septic systems pumped out.
Goals 2006 - 2007
- Mail mandatory inspection notices to District Five property owners
- Follow-up with property owners who have not met their inspection deadline
- Send out “Notice of Violation” letters to property owners with failed septic systems or cesspools
- Update and refine septic system tracking software as needed
- Prepare Wastewater Management Ordinance amendments as needed
- Mail mandatory inspection and pumping notices in accordance with initial inspection report
- Oversee development of a Facilities Plan for Green Hill Pond pollutant remediation
Water, Wastewater, Solid Waste return to top
The Public Services Department is responsible for overseeing the Town's Water, Wastewater and Solid Waste Enterprise Utility Funds. These three divisions generate revenue from user fees rather than from general taxation.
WATER DIVISION
The Water Division provides continuous municipal water for both domestic use and fire protection for the geographic area lying south of U.S. Route 1 from Green Hill to East Matunuck, including the Perryville area. Beginning in the Fall 2002, the Water Division began purchasing wholesale water from United Water- Rhode Island (UWRI) for the South Shore water system as a result of on-going iron discoloration problems associated with the water system's groundwater supply. Transition to UWRI water supply was complete as of February 2003 via a temporary interconnection with the Town of Narragansett's Jerusalem water system. A large diameter permanent interconnection along US Route 1 between the UWRI and South Shore system was completed in August 2005. Given the commencement of wholesale water purchase for the South Shore system during the Fall 2002, engineering design and construction of a water filtration plant has been postponed indefinitely. The Water Division will continue to test and exercise the South Shore well field in the event it needs to be reactivated in an emergency. Otherwise, the well field will remain dormant until such time that the additional source of water supply is needed, and the cost of treatment is justifiable. The Water Division also purchases wholesale water from UWRI to service customers in the Middlebridge area.
WASTEWATER DIVISION
The Wastewater Division operates and maintains a wastewater treatment facility (WWTF) located on Westmoreland Street in Narragansett that services portions of South Kingstown and its regional partners, the Town of Narragansett and University of Rhode Island. The facility receives septage from outlying areas, and conventional wastewater via the Town's municipal gravity collection system and eleven pump stations. The Division strives to protect the environment by providing optimum treatment of influent into the plant, which results in an excellent quality of effluent. The WWTF was in full compliance with all RIPDES discharge parameters and has had just 3 violations in the past 16 years.
SOLID WASTE DIVISION
The Solid Waste Division facilities currently consist of the Rose Hill Recycling Transfer Station (RHRTS), a commercial recycling building and a voluntary recycling center. All facilities are located on Rose Hill Road in Peace Dale and accept refuse from residents of South Kingstown and Narragansett. Operation and maintenance of the Rose Hill facility was privatized in March 1994 in order to take advantage of lower "spot" tipping markets for non-municipal refuse and in August 1994 the Town implemented a volume-based "tag" disposal system for the disposal of RHRTS residential user refuse. In addition, an enhanced recycling center is offered for residents to maximize their recycling efforts and reduce disposal costs.
In an effort to ensure that all solid waste disposed of in Town meets or exceeds Statewide recycling levels, the Town will be evaluating various options for long-term solid waste disposal during FY2005-2006. The Town Council authorized a one-year contract extension in June 2005, thereby providing time to evaluate various Town-wide solid waste disposal options.
Accomplishments 2005 - 2006
Water Division
WATER ACCOUNT SUMMARY
| 2,419 South Shore Accounts |
283 Middlebridge Accounts |
| 2,970 South Shore Units |
290 Middlebridge Units |
WATER METER READING STATUS
- Neptune meters installed during 2005-2006: 72
- Total Badgers remaining: 132
DISTRIBUTION AND WATER STORAGE FACILITIES
- 8th consecutive year for cellular array antenna leases from four cellular carriers, with revenue of approximately $164,000 per year.
- Victoria Lane water tank interior shot blasted and repainted.
SOUTH SHORE WATER SUPPLY INFRASTRUCTURE
- Wells continue to be tested by the Rhode Island Department of Health.
- United Water RI interconnection construction completed in August 2005.
Wastewater Division
WASTEWATER ACCOUNT SUMMARY
3,220 Accounts
4,903 Units
WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT FLOW SUMMARY
- Design capacity: 5.0 MGD*
- Total yearly flow: 1089.67 MG
- Average daily flow: 2.985 MGD
- Highest daily flow: 6.811 MGD
- Lowest daily flow: 1.900 MGD
*WWTF average daily flow of 5.0 MGD established with January 1, 1996 RIPDES permit.
COLLECTION SYSTEM
- Continued utilization of jet-vac truck for pump station wet well and collection system cleaning.
- Inspection of collection system continues with telemetry camera equipment.
- Continued wastewater collection system cleaning in the Oaks, Wakefield, and Middlebridge areas.
MIDDLEBRIDGE AND DIANE DRIVE SEWER SYSTEMS
Below is a summary of Middlebridge and Diane Drive sewer connections and assessments to date:
| |
Middlebridge |
Diane Drive |
| Total properties not connected: |
1 |
0 |
| Total assessments remaining: |
84 |
21 |
| Total assessments paid in full: |
240 |
3 |
| Total Elderly Abatement assessments: |
1 |
1 |
WWTF/ PUMP STATION EQUIPMENT UPGRADES
- New vehicle purchased for pump station maintenance
- In-channel grinder purchased and installed by Division staff at Silver Lake pump station
- Completed fire alarm upgrade at WWTF in conjunction with Communications Department
- Primary gear drive installed on number three clarifier by Wastewater Division staff
- New sludge feed pump for WWTF solids handling train purchased
- Wastewater Division staff rebuilt WWTF septage receiving station grit collector
EASEMENT MAINTENANCE
WTF staff cleared the following easements:
Oakdell Street to Cemetery Road
- Indian Run and South Road (to Linden Drive) Interceptors
- Spring Street to Kingstown Road
- Westmoreland Street forced main from Karen Ann Drive to WWTF (Narragansett)
- Rodman Street to Pike Street
- Westmoreland Street effluent easement
- Silver Lake Avenue to Main Street
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Ocean outfall inspected and videoed in May 2006 with an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV)
Solid Waste Division
ROSE HILL RECYCLING TRANSFER STATION (RHRTS) PRIVATIZATION
- Continued oversight of contract with B&L Waste Handling for privatized operations. A one-year contract extension was authorized by the Town Council through June 30, 2007.
TONNAGE SUMMARY
- Total refuse to Central Landfill (Municipal cap = 19,535 tons): 19,535 tons
- Total residential recyclables to the Central Landfill 2,006 tons
- Total RHRTS residential user "Tagged" refuse: 1,333 tons
RHRTS RESIDENTIAL USER SUMMARY
- Total refuse tags sold: 117,457
- Total yard waste bags sold: 12,367
RECYCLING OPERATIONS
The current recycling program for residents who use the Rose Hill Regional Transfer Station has been in effect since July 1, 2001. Under the Rhode Island Resource Recovery (RIRRC) “maximum recycling” program, residents separate recyclables into two bins (green for paper products/ blue for all other recyclable materials. As the previous program had required separating recyclables into twelve categories, the current program has been well received, saving residents both time and effort.
Although RHRTS users consistently exceed a 55% recycling capture ratio, the Town will be investigating various options to ensure compliance by private refuse haulers. Unfortunately, few private subscription firms offer recycling services for their residential customers. The lack of private hauler recycling services results in a low recycling capture ratio (approximately 8%) for the entire community. It is important that the Town maximize recycling efforts since the State has conceptually considered imposing a tipping fee surcharge for those communities not achieving a 20% recycling capture ratio.
In the Spring 2006, RIRRC provided funding to communities to engage a solid waste management consultant to conduct a comprehensive review of the Town's solid waste recycling program. During the Summer 2006, the consultant will review current solid waste and recycling disposal practices and evaluate various disposal options to maximize recycling efforts while minimizing solid waste disposal costs. The finding will be presented to each Town Council during the Fall 2006, to determine what, if any, changes to current solid waste disposal and recycling practices are merited.
The Town, in partnership with the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation, hosted a hazardous waste drop off day on June 24, 2006 at Town Hall.
SUPERFUND
- JH Lynch completed constructing the West Kingston landfill remedial action in June 2006.
- The USEPA held an informational meeting for the West Kingston landfill on June 28, 2006.
- LCI completed Phase 1 (waste consolidation) of the Rose Hill RA in April 2006.
- The RI Department of Environmental Management anticipates awarded Phase 2 (multi-layer cap) during the Summer 2006.
Goals 2006 - 2007
Water Division
- Complete Victoria Lane water tank exterior painting
- Initiate radio reading technology water meter replacement program
- Begin computerizing water curb stop and isolation valve swing tie dimensions on GIS
- Flush all fire hydrants each fall and spring
Wastewater Division
- Perform emergency repair or replacement of Silver Lake Avenue pump station
- Continue clearing sewer easements
- Continue two- (2) year maintenance schedule of all sewer collection lines
- Continue televising wastewater collection system
- Purchase new sludge thickener for WWTF
- New five-year RI Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (RIPDES) permit implemented
- Complete SCADA improvements at Hospital and Salt Pond pump stations
- Continue WWTF aeration membrane replacements
- Complete South Kingstown Wastewater Facilities Plan update
- Complete second Silver Lake pump station pump replacement
- Replace automated bar rack at Kingston pump station
Solid Waste Division
- Complete Town-wide solid waste disposal and recycling practices study to determine, what if any changes are necessary to current solid waste and recyclable disposal practices
- Coordinate Rose Hill Regional landfill remediation action (RA) Phase 2 multi-layer cap construction with RIDEM serving as lead agency for the project
- Begin West Kingston cap maintenance and long-term monitoring plan
- Complete negotiation and/or condemnation of West Kingston landfill with property owner
- Secure RIDEM reclassification of ground water for Rose Hill Landfill site
|
|
