Lewes BPW approves Severn Trent contract

The Lewes Board of Public Works has approved a one-year, $364,000 contract with Severn Trent to operate and manage the Howard H. Seymour Water Reclamation Plant.

The Board of Public Works (BPW) will pay the company monthly.

The panel unanimously approved the agreement at its Wednesday, Oct. 27 meeting but not before asking Severn Trent representatives a few questions.

“That’s a lot of money for that service. What am I getting for $365,000 besides a manager? I’d just like to understand what I’m paying for,” said board member Jim Gayhardt. He said in addition to plant management, board customers pay for maintenance, chemicals, electricity and vehicles used at the facility.

Dave Fink, Severn Trent area manager, said the company provides a plant manager and three licensed operators who work at the facility and are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“You’re getting our best. You’re paying for professionals. You’re keeping yourself out of hot water with the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control,” Fink said.

Before plant improvements, Lewes’ wastewater sometimes exceeded state and federal limits for several pollutants.

Fink said in addition to maintaining and running the facility, Severn Trent employees also oversee 30 lift stations throughout the city, which pump wastewater to the reclamation facility.

“The plant’s operation is not as simple as it sounds,” Fink said.

Ken Mecham, BPW general manager, said the new contract with Severn Trent is $5,900 more than last year’s, a 1.6 percent increase. He said the company had sought a longer contract but by limiting it to a year the board is able to consider other management and operation options.

The $12.3 million reclamation plant expanded an existing facility. Construction took more than two years to complete. The new facility was dedicated April 2008.

The expansion doubled Lewes’ wastewater treatment capacity to 1.5 million gallons per day. Engineers estimate the plant’s current capacity should be sufficient for 25 years. When needed, the plant is designed for expansion.