Rotor No. 2 At Bloomsdale’s Wastewater Plant Will Be Replaced

The Bloomsdale Board of Aldermen voted during its April 9 meeting to spend $163,775 to replace rotor No. 2 at the city’s wastewater plant.

The giant rotor, one of two that shreds waste at the plant, has been causing the city trouble since it was rebuilt three years ago.

The rotor, originally built in 1982, requires parts no longer manufactured in the United States. Replacement parts have to be ordered from Germany.

Bloomsdale Mayor Paul Monia had urged the topic be tabled in March, until he was able to get a one-year warranty from the date of start-up from the manufacturer, as well as assurance that it would operate properly in hot weather, and having a variable speed option installed. Those demands were both met.

“And keep in mind, you’ve got two of these guys,” Monia said, referring to rotor No. 1, a twin of No. 2, which has operated without any major mechanical problems since its installation in 1982.

Ward 1 Alderman Brandon Shortt said he did not feel qualified to make judgments on the equipment, but noted that “you guys have been dealing with this for years.”

“I know money’s always an issue, but I would just like to see this put to bed,” Shortt said.

See complete story in the April 17 edition of the Herald.