THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, May 7, 2021 Page 3 Malden ready to embark on extensive, $4.7 million underground pipe evaluation/replacement project City Council Finance Committee reviews and approves plan, sends it forward By Steve Freker E ven Superman’s X-ray vision would not be an asset to the City of Malden as it embarks on one its most comprehensive and important infrastructure maintenance projects in years, especially when you are considering the expected detection of faulty or damaged water pipes as well as lead service pipes leading to residential units. As Councillor-at-Large Stephen Winslow put it at Tuesday night’s City Council Finance Committee meeting, “This is critical work that is ‘out of sight, out of mind’ for our residents, but so very necessary for us to address. This [project] will aff ect generations to come.” At the conclusion of a lengthy discussion and review of various details, the Finance Committee voted unanimously, 5-0, to approve the City of Malden’s acceptance of no-interest loans totaling some $4.7 million from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) that will fund a fi ve-year project that will identify, assess and replace water pipes that may be damaged or otherwise faulty around the city. Some 28 streets will be included in the city, spread out in several neighborhoods, including approximately 11 miles of pipe in all. In the city of Malden overall, there are over 100 miles of underground sewer pipes, according to city offi cials. The main impetus for this project is the increasing amount of groundwater that is present in the Malden water system – primarily caused by faulty pipes – that must be treated by MWRA systems at a per gallon cost. The MWRA has also instructed the City of Malden that it must address compliance issues with its water quality and water collection systems as it pertains to groundwater/stormwater entry to the water system, city offi cials said. An explanatory presentation of the issues and the proposed $4.7 million, five-year project was made by city engineer Yem Lip and the city’s Chief Financial Offi cer, Charles Ranaghan, who both stressed the importance of this key project, which has extensive, related financial ramifications for the city down the road. The city must pay the MWRA to would be addressed by this project. The project in question actually originated in 2019, according to city offi cials. Ranaghan recalled to the City Council that initial approval was given by the City Council in that year: the goahead for a $2.6 million, zero-interest MWRA loan. The project has been on hold, like other infrastructure maintenance PROJECT| SEE PAGE 11 If the Malden City Council approves the project, the city will embark on a fi ve-year, $4.7 million infrastructure project to repair and replace sewer pipes on 11 miles of Malden streets. (Courtesy Photo) Yem Lip, P.E. City Engineer treat excess water from infl ow and infi ltration (“I&I”), which is caused when stormwater (inflow) and groundwater (infiltration) enter a wastewater system. This water, which ideally should drain into the ground or be routed to storm drains, can easily overload wastewater systems. This can cause sewage overfl ows to creeks, backups in basements and impaired operations, among other challenges. Ranaghan and Lip explained that improving the city’s sewer pipes would lessen the creation of “I&I” and therefore lower the MWRA water treatment assessments. In addition to identifying pipes which may be repaired with new linings, there will also be replacements made for some lead service pipes. Some of both of these targets are already on a city waiting list and AUTOTECH 1989 SINCE Is your vehicle ready for the Summer Season?!! Recharge your vehicle's AC for the warm weather! Includes up to 1 LB. of Refrigerant* (*Most Vehicles/Some Restrictions May Apply) AC SPECIAL Only $69.95 DRIVE IT - PUSH IT - TOW IT! CASH FOR YOUR CAR, TRUCK OR SUV! 2009 CHEVROLT IMPALA Excellent Vehicle Inside & Out!, Leather Interior, Fully Loaded, Clean Title, Warranty, Only 68,000 Miles! TRADES WELCOME! 3.5 Ltr., Six Cylinders, Automatic, Most Power Options, Just Serviced, Clear Title, Only 120K Miles! TRADES WELCOME! TRADES WELCOME! $5,300 $4,995 (781) 321-8841 • (617) 571-9869 Easy Financing Available! 1236 EasternAve • Malden EddiesAutotech.com Vehicle! We Pay Cash For Your 2008 CHEVROLET IMPALA LTZ
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