Cranbrook council has approved $885,000 to replace a hydro-vac truck.
The city operates two hydro-vac trucks which are used for excavating around underground lines and cleaning out sanitary lines.
During a recent inspection, it was discovered that there was excessive rust jacking in the city’s older truck, caused by corrosive liquids seeping between the two frame rails.
Public works director Tony Hetu said it’s been a problem before and they will need to look at ways to prevent it.
“This is now the second failure in the City fleet of this nature,” he added.
“To help mitigate this issue we are exploring preventative maintenance measures such as frame coatings and increase cleaning protocols. However given the nature of the corrosion occurring between frame rails, this measure may not prevent future rust jacking.”
He said the repairs would have been too costly and the city needs two trucks.
“It is essential that public operations have a backup due to the fact that contractor’s equipment don’t provide the
same functions and are not reliable to provide service during emergency repairs.”
The replacement was already going to be a part of the 2025 budget.
Something going on in your part of the Kootenays you think people should know about? Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].
