Algae makes its way into Pioneer trial

To what extent, if at all, has Pioneer Rural Water factored the potential for foul taste and odor to creep into the water it would treat from Lake Hartwell?  A plaintiffs’ witness this morning felt compelled to clarify earlier testimony that suggested the possibility that, while not harmful to human health, Pioneer customers might have to do deal with taste and odor issues that similarly affect Clemson.  On cross-examination, engineering firm vice president Kevin Laird said, “I’m not saying that at all” when referencing the spot where Pioneer would place an intake into the lake.  Laird said he’s aware of two spots on Lake Hartwell where taste and odor compounds have been identified, but he admitted that he has done no testing that would determine if such compounds exist at Pioneer’s planned intake.  Laird’s company–Goodwyn Mills Cawood–was hired by the plaintiffs’ side to evaluate a preliminary engineering report prepared before the Pioneer board sought bids and awarded a construction contract for its treatment plant project.  He cited concerns in that report, including “unaccounted for water” that Pioneer bought wholesale from the cities but was not sold to customers.  Laird suggested line leaks can lead to the loss of water and said repairs to leaky lines are the corrective measure.  He also offered an estimate of a dollar figure that has been the subject of much testimony in the trial.  The engineer said he thinks the cost of eventual improvements needed by Seneca and Westminster to ensure their capability to meet Pioneer’s future needs is $5.7 million instead of the $9.5 million testified to earlier.