The Salem City Council has elected for a more expensive gas meter to replace one going bad at Radiac Abrasives.
Public Works Director Annette Sola says if they would have selected a replacement with the same company it was expected to 20 weeks to get delivery. There was also concern over the meter going bad after only four years when it was supposed to last 20.
Instead, the city will go with Ultrasonic Meter which will have installation completed within four weeks.
Sola says there was concern beyond the city potentially having to bypass the meter to get gas to Radiac, which is its largest user.
“We have the issue of the money for the gas we would lose, but also if it would stop working and stop allowing gas to go through the line while they were in mid-process we could ruin a batch of their wheels or we could possibly ruin a kiln if it was running and we just shut off the gas. There are so many variables that make it pretty important to try and take care of it as soon as possible.”
The cost of the new meter, with installation, will be $25,000. About double the cost of the meter now being used.
