EPA lead pipe requirement discussed

POMEROY–The City Council heard presentations on the Garfield County Hospital District's imaging suite, water meters, and Naslund Disposal's Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission program and discussed a new Environmental Protection Agency requirement regarding lead pipe at their meeting on March 5.

The council authorized a letter of support for the GCHD 3.5 million imaging suite project that will include a CT scanner and an upgraded X-ray machine. GCHD is seeking congressionally directed funding for the project and is gathering local support letters. According to Mat Slaybaugh, Co-CEO of Garfield County Memorial Hospital, a CT scanner is a standard of care especially when treating strokes and concussions as well as diagnosing acute conditions.

Dean Brown of Correct Equipment and Reed Miller of Master Meter presented the council with an explanation of Master Meter's ultrasonic meters that feature an automated meter read drive-by data collection system. The meters would save the city time and labor on meter readings, which currently take two days a month, and are able to sense leaks.

Larrah Charlo of Naslund Disposal presented a program the garbage service company has been involved in since the 1970s with the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission. The program puts responsibility for service on the state, with the companies carrying permits to provide service to the county.

A requirement from the EPA will necessitate digging up water lines throughout Pomeroy to check for lead piping, and replacing any that is found. If galvanized pipe is used between a residence and a section of lead pipe it must also be replaced, even within the house.

The council denied a water availability fee appeal, and passed resolution 24-02, contracting with MRSC Rosters for small works roster listing.