Several topics were discussed at the GMCL 2025 Fall Picnic meeting where more detailed written updates were to be provided as a follow-up.
Huntsville Utilities Water System
- How many booster pump stations (BPS) serve the mountain?
There are two pipelines that serve the mountain. The original pipeline runs along Green Mountain Road and consists of two booster pumps working in series. The lower booster station is near the bottom of the mountain and one half way up the mountain. The new pipeline runs along the power line easement from Bailey Cove/Green Cove to the top of the mountain. A single booster pump station is used on this pipeline. - When did the new BPS go online and what is its main purpose?
New BPS went online in July 2025 and provides a second feed, or redundant water supply to the Green Mountain area. The original pipeline pumps 660 GPM and the new one pumps 990 GPM. An increase of 150%. - If all BPS are in use, are they the main source of water? When is water from the tank used?
The BPS’s do not run 24 hours a day, they are cycled on and off to feed demand and the excess water pumped fills the tank. When the water reaches a certain depth in the tank, the booster station pump(s) are shut off and the water from the tank feeds the demand. - With the new BPS, can the tank be taken out of service long enough to do repairs or maintenance? If not, what happens if it needs repairs?
Yes, the booster stations can provide sufficient service to the area without the tank in service. This is not an ideal solution from an operational standpoint, but can be done. - Is HU still looking for a suitable lot for a new storage tank or will it be on the 4.5-acre Passive Park?
Current plan is to build the tank on the Passive Park lot the City owns. - Is there a timeline to build the new tank? Will it be elevated?
Tank will be constructed prior to the new fire station and will depend on when the fire station will be built. Yes, it will be elevated. - Besides a new tank, are there future plans for any other type of equipment or maintenance programs for the mountain water lines?
None have been identified at this time.
Nature Trail Impacts due to Construction
The following updates are provided in response to items 6B and 6C on the agenda.
Filed ADEM complaint on water quality at Skye Lake due to construction runoff. On July 15th, Woody Nichols with ADEM did a site visit. He filed a notice of violation to the Reunion developer H2S, requesting them to remove and cleanup the sediment on the eastern side of the park. Woody called on September 23rd and said that professional engineering firm UES was providing environmental consulting work to H2S and currently working on a soil loss equation analysis including the review of rainfall, slope, and vegetative cover. Once that is completed, they’ll submit a plan to Craig Hill, who is county commissioner for district 3, and ADEM. If approved, H2S will then be required to clean up the mud and debris on the nature trail property.
Downed trees in front of the Reunion SD were reported to SeeClickFix (the Huntsville city app for issues). The sanitation dept collected all debris that was cut up and close to S. Shawdee Road. They could not pick up anything else due to it being off the road or too big to haul away. Jennie Robinson was then contacted and she reported it to city engineering. On August 27th, Mike Malires with COH engineering said the final inspection of the SD should be done by the middle of October and the developer H2S will be required to clean up and haul off all the debris before the city approves the SD.