Board aims to offset natural-gas costs

As with other businesses, the MVSD's natural-gas bill has doubled.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
MINERAL RIDGE -- The Mahoning Valley Sanitary District's board of directors will explore the sinking of more gas wells on district property to offset rising natural-gas costs.
Tom Holloway, district chief engineer, told the board Wednesday he'll be gathering information about the wells.
The district has permitted two off-property wells that are drilled under MVSD property so natural gas is extracted from under the property as well as two on-property wells.
The district is paid 12 1/2-percent royalties on the gas production.
Holloway said the board might at least consider having a well sunk close to the main water treatment facilities to get cheaper gas.
Alan Tatalovich, district treasurer, said the MVSD paid $127,100 for gas in 2005. The rate has since doubled.
The district treats water from Meander Reservoir and sells it wholesale to Youngstown, Niles and McDonald for resale.
Holloway pointed out that the cost of some chemicals have dramatically increased by as much as 60 percent to 70 percent.
The only strategy the district can take, Holloway explained, was to reduce use, but at the same time the MVSD must maintain the quality of water.
Expecting proposal
Holloway also said the district was expected to receive a proposal today from two companies that will construct two Interstate 80 bridges over Meander at a total cost of $86.7 million.
Great Lakes Construction Co. of Hinckley and Anthony Allega Cement Contractors Inc. of Independence will build the bridges, but the companies want to use district property to construct a 125- to 150-foot-long dock on the west side of the reservoir.
The dock would help the companies move equipment, manpower and materials to the work sites.
In exchange, the board is looking for the companies to provide improvements to the district, such as increased drainage on state Route 46 to stop sediments from going into the reservoir.
It also wants additional security cameras and upgrading of fencing along Lipkey Road at Mahoning Avenue and I-80 in Jackson Township to help stop trespassing.
yovich@vindy.com