LWSC: Wind turbine up and running in October

LYNN – Problems with a former contractor have delayed its construction for almost a year, but a Water and Sewer Commission official said a 190-foot-tall wind turbine will begin generating power and saving water ratepayers money this fall.”We’re shooting for the date of Oct. 15 when they hope to have it up,” Water and Sewer Operations Director Robert Tina said Tuesday.Tina said the white pole-like tower with its 50-foot-long windmill blades is slated to be built next to the sewage treatment complex at the end of Commercial Street extension between the Lynnway and the waterfront.The turbine costs $1.8 million with, Tina said, $1.2 million paid for with state grant money. Once its blades start turning, the turbine will generate electricity to help power the treatment plant and reduce its annual $1.7 million power bill by about $200,000, he said.The commission planned to erect the turbine in September 2012, but Tina said differences between the commission and Saugus contractor KGCI over contract deadlines prompted Water and Sewer executives to turn the project over to the firm holding the contract’s performance bond.”They hired an engineer to finish the project and they are on an aggressive schedule,” Tina said.Commissioner and Ward 1 City Councilor Wayne Lozzi said a firm with a union workforce might have done a better job fulfilling the turbine contract, but he said Water and Sewer faced limited options in dealing with KGCI.”They were qualified and had prior experience. We’re hamstrung by bidding laws,” he said.Lozzi said the turbine will be completed without additional cost to Lynn ratepayers.