PORT TOWNSEND — The Port of Port Townsend commissioners met in special session last week to approve the purchase of replacement sewer pumps to serve the southwest end of Boat Haven marina and shipyard.
Effluent needs to be pumped up and into the city sewer system to avoid spilling into Port Townsend Bay, Port Executive Director Larry Crockett told commissioners Herb Beck and Dave Thompson, who voted Wednesday to spend no more than $25,000 to replace the sewage pump that serves the restroom at the Boat Haven maintenance shop and Haven Boatworks.
Commissioner John Collins was absent.
The pumps are adjacent to Port Townsend Bay’s shoreline.
“The glimmering hope is, if we do this work, the city may be willing to take over the system,” said Jim Pivarnik, port deputy director.
The pump was first installed with the system in 1997, and Beck said he hoped the new pump would last at least another 10 years.
“Unexpected expenses come up at times that are unexpected and have to be corrected very quickly,” Beck said.
Pivarnik said it was not an emergency situation but could be, because the main pump failed and a backup pump was aging as well.
Both pumps will be replaced by Correct Equipment Inc., which promises delivery in four to six weeks.
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Port Townsend-Jefferson County Editor Jeff Chew can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at jeff.chew@peninsuladailynews.com.
