20060608Letter with reports.pdf

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May 31 , 2006
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Idaho Public Utilities Commission
Terri Carlock
472 West Washington St.
Boise, ID. 83702-5983
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RE: Algoma Water System, Plan of Correction/ Current status and engineering
Information
Terri Carlock and other members of the Commission
Thank you for your review and help that you have provided over the past several years to
us at the Algoma Water System. This letter is an attempt to explain where we are at and
what you should expect in the future from Algoma Water.
As we are in the process of changing ownership from the Neu family to Paul Greenwood
the subject of our inconsistent filing of Annual Reports has corne up. I have just filed
2004 and 2005, and not 2003. I did this because 2003's information is not available, as
that was a time of transfer from one very disinterested account to another. This is
unfortunate, but it is the position I am in. In the two recently filed reports you will find
onI the financial data, and that is because of the lack of consistent information to support
a truthful report. We do have limited blueprints on the system but they do not to reflect
any of the correct information needed for an Annual Report.
This would be a very bleak situation if it were to end there. What we have done is to hire
a gentleman by the name of Bob Hansen, if you were to look in our application on file
with the PUC you can read about his qualifications. I am very excited to have Bob at
work on all ofthe necessary concerns in regards to Algoma Water. In the future it is very
realistic to expect a much more complete, if not totally complete Annual Report as Bob is
currently in the process of putting all the information together for the system.
Along with this letter are the results of a survey that the Department of Environmental
Quality did in July oflast year. We have been working to correct these nine areas, and
most ofthis is accomplished at the time of this letter. Again as you read these few things
keep in mind that one of the most qualified individuals in the state is currently at work to
meet all these points.
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They are as follows:
) A smooth nosed sample tap must be installed to monitor the water produced by
the well.
) All threaded taps in pump hose must have atmospheric vacuum breakers installed.
) The well must be vented with a down turned and screened vent that extends 12"
above the reservoir surface.
) A weighted flapper valve and expanded metal screen must be installed on the
reservoir overflow.
) The reservoir overflow must be above a splash plate that drains to daylight.
) There are small hairline cracks in the reservoir roofthat must be sealed.
) Cross connection rules and a system for annual inspections of back flow
prevention devices must be implemented.
) A written Total Coliform monitoring plan is required that utilizes at least six sites
through out the water system for monitoring on a rotating basis. The water system
currently only monitors form the well house.
) IDAP A 58.01.08.554.02 requires an operator who is certified by the Idaho Bureau
of Occupational Licenses be responsible of the day to day operation of the water
system. You do not have such a person at this time.
In conclusion as owners we have put in many tens of thousands of dollars in repairs and
maintenance of this system. The previous owners, when it was called "Gold-Anne" did
not do anyone any favors including the water users and anyone who would own the
system in the future. As I am sure it was a real head ache with every agency it was
involved with. At this point Algoma Water is in terrific shape with a whole system of
satisfied customers. It has taken years to get there, and I apologize for not always having
the reports in on time, but rest assured the future for Algoma Water under the new
management looks very bright indeed.
Please do not hesitate to call with any questions.
Best Regards
Chris Neu
Co-owner Algoma Water
Box 844
Sandpoint, ID. 86864
208.255.2491 Office
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