Minturn is embarking on an unprecedented journey to construct a state-of-the-art water treatment plant, a monumental undertaking poised to become the most significant capital project in the town’s 120-year history.
This ambitious initiative is projected to incur an estimated cost ranging between $12 million and $14 million, marking it as the largest budget expenditure the town has ever faced. The scale of this investment underscores Minturn’s commitment to securing its future water supply.
Unlike many of its neighboring communities that rely on the broader Eagle River Water and Sanitation District, Minturn operates its own independent water system. This self-reliance highlights the critical importance of maintaining and upgrading its infrastructure, especially as the current water treatment plant, built in the 1960s, has reached the end of its operational lifespan.
In a pivotal decision made on July 8, the Minturn Town Council officially approved the selection of Memcor, a renowned company, to supply the essential ultrafiltration membrane system for the forthcoming plant. This crucial component is central to the new facility’s advanced treatment capabilities.
The choice of Memcor was the culmination of a rigorous and competitive proposal process, meticulously managed by HDR Engineering. This consultant was specifically engaged by the town to expertly facilitate and guide the complex construction process of the new water treatment plant, ensuring due diligence and optimal selection.
While the Town Council unanimously agreed on the Memcor system at an approximate cost of $1.39 million, a key point of contention arose when resident Spence Neubauer highlighted that Memcor is a subsidiary of DuPont, a company with a documented history of environmental and public health violations. This revelation sparked community dialogue regarding the town’s choice.
Concerns about potential project delays were voiced by Councilman Bidez, who stressed that any slowdowns in the next six months could jeopardize the plant’s scheduled completion. Furthermore, Feiger raised valid points regarding the Memcor system potentially locking the town into a higher price point, questioning how Minturn, a small municipality, would ultimately bear the substantial expense of this vital infrastructure project.
To mitigate the financial burden and secure adequate funding for the plant’s construction, Minturn has proactively issued a request for proposal. This initiative seeks either the outright sale or conservation-focused development of two significant town-owned parcels, known locally as the Highlands, aiming to generate necessary capital.
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