Commission wants to take another look into sewer

LYNN – Water and Sewer commissioners want a second opinion on a West Lynn flood and sewage reduction project before they approve spending $106 million on the plan.The review by a consulting engineer will include looking for less expensive alternatives to the combined sewer overflow (CSO) plan crafted by a commission consultant and forwarded to federal environmental officials for review.?I?m skeptical of this CSO plan so this is an additional review – a second opinion,” said Commission Chairman Wayne Lozzi.Lozzi, who is also Ward 1 city councilor, won support from fellow commissioners William Trahant Sr. and Walter Proodian Monday to seek additional CSO review. A commission veteran, Trahant said Water and Sewer has “been burned in the past” by cost overruns on projects.?I want to make sure we do the right thing,” Trahant said.Drafted beginning in 2011 with a $277,000 price tag, the proposed CSO plan includes creating separate storm drain and sewage lines around Bennett Street; reconstruction of Blossom and Commercial street storm drains; and undertaking other pipe work most likely over a 20-year period.The project?s price tag comes with an increase in water rates, with one estimate including a 26-percent increase in the project?s first year. Commissioners supporting the project said it is time for West Lynn residents to see relief from flooding after nearly 25 years of CSO work in other parts of the city.?We have a viable plan. Whatever we do has to be affordable,” said Commissioner David Ellis.But Water and Sewer Treasurer David Travers said the project?s cost will be revealed as details on its scope and how long it will take to do come into focus.?Then we bring to the board (commissioners) how the project impacts rates,” Travers said.Ward 6 Councilor Peter Capano said there is no need to stretch out a CSO project review already four years in duration.?I don?t know what a second opinion is going to do,” he said.?I?d like more definitive answers,” replied Lozzi.?You don?t believe the numbers?” Capano asked him.?What exactly will it cost the ratepayers?” countered Lozzi.In other business before the commission Monday, commissioners rejected Capano?s proposal to present the CSO plan to the Lynn Business Partnership in a meeting focusing on the project?s cost. The commissioners also voted to allow union representatives for seven Water and Sewer catch basin cleaners and commission executives to discuss a comprehensive catch-basin-cleaning plan.Commissioners are at odds over hiring a private contractor to do the cleaning over concerns that proposal will take work away from union employees.