Tim Balensiefer and Keith O'Brien of TBIRD Design Services Corp. presented an update of Flora's sewer study progress at Monday night's town council meeting.

The Lafayette firm has been working with the town to fulfill the obligations of an agreed order with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM).

O'Brien said the 418-page report was submitted to IDEM on April 1. He expects a 30 to 45-day waiting period before IDEM responds.

TBIRD has used a flow data meter in the sewer system for the past few months to identify areas in need of remediation. They brought a map of the town showing the identified areas.

While waiting on IDEM's response, O'Brien said that the town can make several low dollar fixes that will help control the ground water that is leaching into the wastewater system such as replacing manhole covers and grouting and plugging up lines.

"Our goal is to get the town down to an acceptable level so that IDEM will take the town off of the agreed order," said Balensiefer. "We want to work on a three to five year remediation program so that the town can spread out its costs."

"We'll try to budget what those repairs are gong to cost," he said, "and maybe go after grant money."

The town's sewage treatment plant's capacity is 428,000 gallons per day.

"If we can reach 80% of that capacity consistently, they (IDEM) will be happy," said Bill McCarty, Flora's wastewater foreman.

A video camera could prove beneficial in pinpointing leaks in the system, said O'Brien. McCarty was instructed to secure prices for a camera.

Resident Steve Meeks said that TBIRD's presentation shed light on problems with sewage backups he and his neighbors are experiencing in the Mohawk and Meadow Lanes area.

McCarty explained that the main line there is old. The town offered to put the line on the calendar to be cleaned out two to three times a year.

A video camera would help in this situation too, said Mc- Carty.

McCarty also said, "We want everything done that can be for proper drainage, to eliminate excessive water through the wastewater system."

He said residents with sump pumps and downspouts going into the system need to have them removed. Letters will be issued to those who do not comply and fines may be levied.

"Everything the public can do will be appreciated," added McCarty.