Feb 27, 2003 By Jenny Susa 2 min read

The Tri-County Joint Municipal Authority is near completion of its Scenery Hill waterline project and waiting for contractors to finish the last parts of the project. David Sugar of Excavation Technologies Inc. reported to the authority Wednesday, and answered its questions about work that had not been completed yet. They said that their main priority is to finish testing the waterlines, which is about 70 percent complete at this time.

“We’ve had some problems with testing because of air,” said Sugar. “Some of the lines wouldn’t pass because of it. But when we pumped them and tested them again, they were all right. So we have about 70 percent of the lines tested and passed.”

Sugar said weather permitting, they should have the testing done soon, as well as bridge crossing and restoration.

General Manager Jeff Kovach said that he had been receiving complaints from customers who said that maintenance work was not being done and they need several items fixed throughout the area. Sugar assured him that they would take care of any problems that arise.

“We’ll take care of the complaints as they come in to the best of our ability,” said Sugar.

Kovach also suggested that the authority consider bringing new employees to the plant, who could assist with supervision because he has recently had to spend too much time in the field. We need to look into an operation supervisor and a plant supervisor,” said Kovach. “I am happy to manage and take care of the plant, but I can’t do it while I’m in the field all the time.”

The authority agreed to look into it.

Engineer Daniel Slagle reported that a water storage tank at Scenery Hill has been erected and is about 84 percent complete. He said “painting will start as soon as weather permits.”

The authority is also working on a water storage tank in Vestaburg. Slagle said in his report that the rough grading of the site is complete and the foundation is underway.

In other matters, the authority has been anxiously awaiting business from the West Penn State Correctional Institution to help increase its revenue. Slagle said the pump station at the institution is almost finished and ready for start up.

“Payments should start in early March 2003,” said Slagle.