Big Walnut Water line facing erosion issues

On the heels of a recent boil water advisory and facing erosion along the banks of Big Water Creek, the Putnam County Commissioners recently got a view of how dire the situation is along the creek. 

Big Walnut Water Company President Jeff Mace approached the commissioners seeking funding and help, while mentioning the company's water lines near the creek are close to being exposed to the elements. Mace said there are 223 meters that serve 600 people and the Madison Township Fire Department in the company and they are in danger of not having water if there is a blowout due to erosion. 

According to Mace, Big Walnut Water's water line is close to being exposed along the banks of the Big Walnut Creek as a result of recent floods. The erosion is just past Dunbar Bridge and has left a six-inch waterline exposed that serves customers north of the bridge. 

"The issue along the creek is kind of dire right now. We lost that line two weeks ago during that flood. It's not a real comforting situation being in my spot, knowing I am responsible for water for those people. I know a couple spots our line has to be exposed. Trying to figure out some options, maybe some emergency funding for a permanent fix to get that line away from the creek," Mace told Commissioners. 

Mace said the water line follows the road north away from Greencastle, makes a 90 degree turn approaching the creek, passes under the creek and turns to follow the dead-end road that runs on the far side of the creek. Mace added the water line would need to be moved again when Dunbar Bridge is replaced. 

Commissioner Rick Woodall asked if there was a temporary fix, and both Mace and Scott Siple, engineer with Midwestern Engineers, said the line has to be moved. 

Mace said a temporary fix would be fortifying the area of bank that is eroded. 

"We did fortify that bank," Woodall said, prompting Mace to say it had already washed away. 

Putnam County Highway Engineer Jim Peck told The Putnam County Post there has been approximately 45-50 tons of class #1 stone that has already been delivered to the site to help the water company out. 

"The best solution then is to move our line as fast as we can. We don't have much money either. We have 223 meters. I am just trying to work with you guys and see what is going on to get this taken care of the customers," Mace said. 

Woodall asked Siple what his suggestion was and Siple responded his suggestion would be to move the line. 

"That creek bank is a losing battle," Siple said. 

Woodall asked him how much he thought it would cost to do the project, and Siple said there needed to be around 1,000 feet of pipe relocated at a cost of around $250,000. 

Siple did mention the cost would be different depending on who sought the bids. If the county represented Big Walnut Water, the cost would be closer to his estimate. However, if Big Walnut Water did the work, the cost would be lower. 

There was talk of possibly having Putnam County offer up some of its American Rescue Plan Act funds, which are close to $100 thousand. Commissioner David Berry asked Mace if the county were to go that route, could his water company come up with the difference. 

"We would have to. We have to do it," Mace said. 

Woodall asked Mace again if the county could come up with the money, would it be possible for Big Walnut Water to come up with the rest. 

"We would have to," Mace said. 

Woodall pressed harder, saying there is a difference between have to and being approved to get the money loaned. 

"Is the status of Big Walnut strong enough where someone is going to loan you $150 grand," Woodall asked. 

Mace then mentioned several areas he could look into for loans. Sipel said due Big Walnut Water being a semi private entity, it creates some issues to get funding from outside sources. 

"What I am trying to say in a nutshell is they are looking for something to be fixed in the next month with all the rains that are coming and that isn't going to happen. There's no way, shape or form that is going to happen. The only option we have, you guys and everyone has, is to move that water line to the other side of the road. You have to start the process today and it's going to take however long to get that done..." Woodall said before Mace interjected, asking Peck if he could do something on his own to fortify the bank. 

Peck said there are close to seven areas that need to be fortified. Peck was asked who Mace needed to call to start the process and Peck said the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as well as the Department of Natural Resources. 

"If we move it, we are outside of all that," Sipel said. 

Woodall said Big Walnut Water needed to do some work of its own, stressing the importance for the utility to "take the first step and initiative." 

"We are here to help. Once you take that first step, figure out what the gameplan is, that's where we can help. The simplest thing we can do right now is we have money left from ARPA. Once the check is written, it's up to you what to do with it," Woodall said. 

Berry asked what would happen if Big Walnut Water could not gain the funding, and Woodall said it would then be returned back to the county. 

Mace again asked if he could get rock to put along the banks to fortify, prompting Woodall to ask who would be paying for it. 

"I need that load in there, so I will have to pay for that. I don't want to lose that line," Berry said.