WQCS00164_NOV-2020-DV-0290 Response_20200627

To: W. Corey Basinger, Regional Supervisor July 7, 2020
Division of Water Quality
From: Thomas Shrewsbury
Public Works Director
City of Lowell
Re: NOV-2020-DV-0290
Dear Mr. Basinger,
This letter is in response to a spill that occurred at our Main Lift Station on 5/27/2020. A torrential rain
event caused the station to become overwhelmed fora short period of time. We have been having
some issue with the heavy rainfalls this year at this location. All City of Lowell staff has been taking
steps to control the problems.
The Public Worksstaffhas been monitoringline flowsduring rain eventsin hopesoffinding a large
inflow source. Several iowervolume sources have been discovered and repaired butwe continue to
seek out other system entries.
Earlier this year it was determined that our larges ofthree pumps at the Main Lift was not pumpingto
full capacity. The pumpwas sentoffto be rebuilt butfoundthat notto bean option. A newpumpwas
ordered, and we have received the new control panel and electrical. We have not yet received the new
pump. As we started to see problems controlling the flows, we had during rain eventwe had installed a
rebuilt pump to that location. As soon as the new pump arrives it will be installed and we expect an
increase in pumping capacity, getting us back to normal at this location.
We are working diligently to contain any spills and hope to seethe results of our work reflected
throughout the rest of 2020.
Respectfully,