City Utilities settles with pump manufacturer

Vermont-based Hayward Tyler Inc. agreed to pay CU $425,000 and provide original design drawings and spare parts for the station’s three pumps, originally installed in 1996, according to a CU news release. The settlement was approved in a Board of Public Utilities closed session July 31 and was executed Tuesday.

The 6-ton pumps, which pump water to McDaniel and Fellows lakes north of Springfield when the water level at Stockton Lake dips below a certain point, began experiencing problems in September 2005. The first two pumps malfunctioned after debris clogged the water lines, causing the motors to overheat. CU officials have said the third pump was most likely damaged by lightning.

The pumps were sent to Vermont for repairs, but when the first pump was returned to service in late 2006, it failed again and had to be shipped back to the company for additional repairs.

CU rented and has since purchased a temporary barge-mounted pump system for Stockton Lake, though record rainfall this year has mitigated the need to pump water. Historically, water levels for August run at about 85 percent; current levels are 98 percent.

The utility also is looking to the future of the pump station, according to the release. A study by Fort Worth, Texas-based engineering firm Freese and Nichols recommended eight possible options for the station; CU staff has selected three of those for further consideration.