KINGWOOD — If the weather holds, the dam at the J.W. Ruby Research Farm could be substantially complete by the end of January, a Public Service District 1 official told Preston commissioners Monday.
More than a year delay in completion of the dam has caused problems with water quantity and quality for PSD 1, which previously relied on the reservoir behind the dam for its water.
PSD 1 Water Operator Danny Layton said Monday that contractors should complete concrete levels 49-51 at the dam by mid-week.
“Then, of course, there will be 10 short lifts on the wings of the dam,” Layton said.
The contractor is bringing in a dirt dryer from North Carolina, he said. As explained at previous meetings, the soil must be dry and not frozen during compaction.
The dam contractor is “looking to go 24/7, once they start doing dirt, and they should start doing dirt possibly today, if they get the dryer in today,” Layton said.
The contractors are anxious to finish the project too, he noted. But weather and the number of parties involved caused delays, Layton said.
“According to them, this morning, weather permitting, they are hoping to be at substantial completion somewhere near the end of January,” Layton said.
In 2017, the Natural Resources Conservation Service told the district it had to find a temporary source while the dam was being replaced.
A dry year forced PSD 1 to look for additional sources. Low water in Impoundment 6, the replacement source, also led to increased water treatment costs and complaints about water quality. Customers also saw a rate hike to help cover the costs.
Also Monday, commissioners:
— noted a special meeting will be held at 9 a.m. Thursday to set meeting times and dates for 2020 and to elect a president for the year.
— set the board of equalization and review days for taxpayers to question their 2020 taxes for: 11 a.m.-noon Jan. 31, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Feb. 4, 11 a.m.-noon Feb. 7. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Feb. 13, 11 a.m.-noon Feb. 18 and 11 a.m. until done Feb. 24.
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