LEGAL NOTICE

January 17 2025

Village of Whitehall

WASHINGTON COUNTY

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)

Engineering Services

Emergency – Water Supply Failure

Emergency, Preliminary Engineering, Design, Bidding and Construction Administration

 

The Village of Whitehall is issuing a Request for Qualifications from engineering consultants/firms pursuant to the procurement requirements found at 7CFR 1780.39(b)(1) for Architectural/Engineering Services for Federally funded projects, as well as New York State General Municipal Law §103, and the equivalency requirements of the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation, as applicable. The Village is utilizing a qualifications-based procurement procedure to evaluate professional service firms or individuals that are proposing to provide the engineering services required to assist the Village in addressing the emergency and immediate and long-term improvement issues related to a recent Village Water Supply Failure & Emergency. Commencing on December 9,2024 the Village water source, filtration and distribution system was unable to provide water to the Village residents and businesses. While water service has been restored via the use of a pump to draw additional water from the existing source reservoir, the emergency situation continues as the pump is not a sustainable long-term solution. The reservoir level remains historically low.  Engineering services include an evaluation of system components, addressing immediate capital improvement needs, and short term, intermediate and long-term improvements to ensure a safe, reliable water supply for the Village.  Engineering services also include preparing Preliminary Engineering reports, and preparation of final designs, plans and specifications including bidding and contract documents and provision of construction phase administration and observation services for Village water source and filtration improvements.

 

The full text of the RFQ is available from Dawn M. Anthony, Clerk/Treasurer located at 57 Skenesborough Drive Suite 2 Whitehall NY 12887. Ms. Anthony can be reached at (518) 499-0871 or by email at:  villageclerk@whitehallny.org

The deadline for submission of a response to the RFQ is 3:00 PM local time, Friday February 7, 2025.  A response to the RFQ should be emailed to the Village clerk at: villageclerk@whitehallny.org

 

Professional service firms, individuals, or teams that are or include NYS Certified MBE or WBE firms or individuals and Section 3 Businesses are strongly encouraged to submit proposals in response to this RFQ. Consultants and firms are also encouraged to submit utilizing DBE sub-consultants where appropriate.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Water Supply Update             

December 30, 2024

 

Whitehall Drinking Water

State of Emergency remains in effect.

 

The Village continues to monitor the lake levels at the Village’s drinking water source, which remains far below levels necessary to support unrestricted water usage.  The Village once again reiterates that the Village remains in a water deficit whereby the Village is pumping water from below the maximum height of the Village’s intake pipe.  THE VILLAGE IS URGING RESIDENTS TO CONSERVE WATER AS EMERGENCY WATER CONSERVATION RESTRICTIONS REMAIN IN EFFECT.  

 

Residents and businesses are asked to:

• Use showers and water usage appliances but are urged to limit their use.
  • Limit length of showers and avoid filling bathtubs and sinks.
  • Run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads to limit water use.
• Hydronic heaters can be used.  Please monitor leaks.
• If your pipes are prone to freezing, you must take steps to winterize or insulate your pipes as continuous water running is not allowed.

 

Residents are reminded that THE WATER EMERGENCY IS NOT OVER and that the WATER supply still requires conservation measures.

 

The Village will provide further updates as information becomes available.  Please visit the Village’s website, http://www.whitehallny.org/, and pay attention to emergency system updates as they are issued. 

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Water Supply Update

December 15, 2024 12:00 pm

 

**Boil Water Order Lifted**

State of Emergency remains in effect.

 

Water testing within the Village’s drinking water system over the past two days has resulted in the lifting of the boil water order.

 

Residents can return to consumptive use of the water though anyone with compromised immune systems or similar medical ailments are advised to follow their doctor’s orders.

 

The Village once again reiterates that the Village remains in a water deficit whereby the Village is pumping water from below the maximum height of the Village’s intake pipe.

The Village is urging residents to conserve water as emergency water conservation restrictions remain in effect.

 

Residents and businesses are asked to:

**Use showers and water usage appliances but are urged to limit their use.

**Limit length of showers and avoid filling bathtubs and sinks.

**Run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads to limit water use.

**Hydronic heaters can be used. Please monitor leaks.

If your pipes are prone to freezing, you must take steps to winterize or insulate your pipes as continuous water running is not allowed.

 

RESIDENTS ARE REMINDED THAT THE WATER EMERGENCY IS NOT OVER AND THAT THE WATER SUPPLY STILL REQUIRES CONSERVATION MEASURES.

 

The Village will provide further updates as information becomes available, and pay attention to emergency system updates as they are issued.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Water Supply Update
December 14, 2024 12:00 pm

The State of Emergency for the Village of Whitehall remains in effect.

Overnight reports are that the Village’s water system

appears to be stabilizing but this is subject to
change at any time. The Village reiterates that the Village remains in a water deficit whereby the Village is pumping water from below the maximum height of the Village’s intake pipe. The Village is still urging residents to conserve water. The boil water emergency and water conservation restrictions remain in effect.

Residents and businesses are asked to:
**Use showers and water usage appliances but are urged to limit their use.
**Limit length of showers and avoid filling bathtubs and sinks.
**Run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads to limit water use.
 Hydronic heaters can be used. Please monitor leaks.
 If your pipes are prone to freezing, you must take steps to winterize or insulate your pipes as continuous water running is not allowed.

RESIDENTS ARE REMINDED THAT THE WATER EMERGENCY IS NOT OVER; THE WATER IS NOT YET SAFE TO DRINK; AND THAT THE WATER SUPPLY STILL REQUIRES CONSERVATION MEASURES.
ALL TAP WATER FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION SHOULD BE BOILED AT A ROLLING BOIL FOR AT LEAST ONE MINUTE AND THEN COOLED PRIOR TO USE.

 

Again, Residents
are urged to not drink tap water without boiling first. Continue to utilize the points of distribution that
are established.

The Village will provide another update Sunday, December 15, 2024, at 12:00 pm.

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STATEMENT FROM VILLAGE OF WHITEHALL MAYOR, FRANCIS PUTORTI..........CLICK HERE

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Water Supply Update
December 13, 2024 10:00 am

The State of Emergency for the Village of Whitehall remains in effect.

Progress is being made on testing and water service to the Village appears to have stabilized for the time being. While the focus remains on the current status of the water supply, efforts are also moving to continued planning for the next step in emergency repairs and longer-term solutions. It is important to note that the water available to the Village remains at a deficit and the Village is still urging
residents to conserve water. The boil water emergency and water conservation restrictions remain in effect.

Residents and businesses are asked to:
Use showers and water usage appliances but are urged to limit their use.
**Limit length of showers and avoid filling bathtubs and sinks.
**Run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads to limit water use.
Hydronic heaters can be used. Please monitor leaks.
If your pipes are prone to freezing, you must take steps to winterize or insulate your pipes as continuous water running is not allowed.

RESIDENTS ARE REMINDED THAT THE WATER EMERGENCY IS NOT OVER; THE WATER IS NOT YET SAFE TO DRINK; AND THAT THE WATER SUPPLY STILL REQUIRES CONSERVATION MEASURES.
ALL TAP WATER FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION SHOULD BE BOILED AT A ROLLING
BOIL FOR AT LEAST ONE MINUTE AND THEN COOLED PRIOR TO USE.

Again, Residents are urged to not drink tap water without boiling first. Continue to utilize the points of distribution that are established.
Bottled water will remain available at the firehouse until supplies are exhausted.
The Village will provide another update tomorrow at 12:00 pm.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Water Supply Update
December 12, 2024 4:00 PM

The State of Emergency for the Village of Whitehall remains in effect.
Contractors, the Village’s crews and representatives of the State and County agencies have helped the Village achieve some stabilization of the Village’s water supply from Pine Lake. It is important to note that the emergency measures employed are temporary while the Village, its engineers and crews,
continue planning for longer term solutions. In the interim, the Village is still urging residents to conserve water. The boil water emergency and water conservation restrictions remain in effect.
Water testing is being done by Department of Health staff on site. Further information will be provided if or when the water testing satisfies the regulatory requirements.

Residents and businesses are asked to:
**Use showers and water usage appliances but are urged to limit their use.
**Limit length of showers and avoid filling bathtubs and sinks.
**Run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads to limit water use.
**Hydronic heaters can be used. Please monitor leaks.
If your pipes are prone to freezing, you must take steps to winterize or insulate your pipes as continuous water running is not allowed.

RESIDENTS ARE REMINDED THAT THE WATER EMERGENCY IS NOT OVER; THE WATER IS NOT YET SAFE TO DRINK; AND THAT THE WATER SUPPLY STILL REQUIRES CONSERVATION MEASURES.
ALL TAP WATER FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION SHOULD BE BOILED AT A ROLLING BOIL FOR AT LEAST ONE MINUTE AND THEN COOLED PRIOR TO USE.

 

Again, Residents are urged to not drink tap water without boiling first. Continue to utilize the points of distribution that
are established.
The warming center and bathroom facilities are now closed. Bottled water and non-potable water will remain available at the firehouse until 8:00 pm and will continue while the boil water is in effect.
The Village will provide another update at tomorrow at 10:00 am.

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Water Supply Update

December 12, 2024 10:00 AM

 

The State of Emergency for the Village of Whitehall remains in effect. Positive progress has been made at Pine Lake and the Village’s water treatment facility. The pump system has been successful in pumping water from Pine Lake to the Village’s drinking water system. Water has returned to the Village, however, the Village very much remains in a water deficit situation. A boil water emergency and water conservation restrictions remain in effect.

The Village is urging residents to conserve, conserve, conserve while crews monitor the pump system and water lines, the flow rate and pressure, and Village usage, and further emergency repairs are evaluated. What conserve means at this point: 

 

**Residents can use showers and water usage appliances but are urged to limit their use.

**Limit length of showers and avoid filling bathtubs full.

**Run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads to limit daily use. 

**Residents can use their hydronic heaters for heat.  If your pipes are prone to freezing, you must take steps to winterize or insulate your pipes as continuous water running is not allowed. 

 

**Businesses are permitted to open but the same conservation measures apply to businesses. **

 

**Dishwashing and laundry machines should be used with full loads to limit daily use.

 

RESIDENTS ARE REMINDED THAT THE WATER EMERGENCY IS NOT OVER; THE WATER IS NOT YET SAFE TO DRINK; AND THAT THE WATER SUPPLY STILL REQUIRES CONSERVATION MEASURES. ALL TAP WATER FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION SHOULD BE BOILED AT A ROLLING BOIL FOR AT LEAST ONE MINUTE AND THEN COOLED PRIOR TO USE.

 

Again, Residents are urged to not drink tap water without boiling first. Continue to utilize the points of distribution that are established. The warming center and bathroom facilities will remain at the Recreation Center at 28 Williams Street and will be open until 12:00 pm today and then will be demobilized. Bottled water and non-potable water will remain available at the firehouse until 8:00 pm and will continue while the boil water is in effect. If anyone is homebound and needs water delivery assistance, please call the Whitehall Volunteer Fire Department from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm at 518-499-0720.

The Village will provide another update at 4:00 pm.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Water Supply Update

December 11, 2024 4:00 PM

 

The State of Emergency for the Village of Whitehall remains in effect. This morning crews made significant progress at Pine Lake and the Village’s water treatment facility, coordinating the startup of pumping from Pine Lake to the Village’s drinking water system. Most residents should see the return of water flow, however, a boil water emergency and water conservation restrictions remain in effect.

 

**Residents should not use their water except for absolute emergency purposes only. Under no circumstances should washers, dishwashers, showers or similar water usage occur until the Village can confirm the status of emergency repairs and the stabilization of the Village’s water system.

 

RESIDENTS ARE REMINDED THAT THIS WATER IS NOT YET SAFE TO DRINK, AND THAT THE LIMITED SUPPLY STILL REQUIRES CONSERVATION MEASURES. ALL TAP WATER FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION SHOULD BE BOILED AT A ROLLING BOIL FOR AT LEAST ONE MINUTE AND THEN COOLED PRIOR TO USE.

 

**Again, Residents are urged to not use tap water while conservation measures are in place and should utilize the points of distribution that are established.

**The warming center and bathroom facilities will remain at the Recreation Center at 28 Williams Street will be open until 8:00 pm.

**Bottled water and non-potable water will also remain available at the firehouse until 8:00 pm. Residents with portable water containers can fill them at the firehouse until 8:00 pm.

 

The Village will provide another update at 10:00 am tomorrow.

 

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING THE BOILING NOTICE (Q&A NYS Dept of Health): Click here 

 

**Register your information and address for NY-Alert through Washington County –Click  https://alert.ny.gov/ 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Water Supply Update

December 11, 2024 10:00 AM

 

The State of Emergency for the Village of Whitehall remains in effect. Some residents may begin to see minimal water flow, however, a boil water emergency and water conservation restrictions remain in effect. Residents should not use their water except for absolute emergency purposes only. Under no circumstances should washers, dishwashers, showers or similar water usage occur until the Village can confirm the status of emergency repairs.

 

RESIDENTS ARE REMINDED THAT THIS WATER IS NOT YET SAFE TO DRINK, AND THAT THE LIMITED SUPPLY STILL REQUIRES CONSERVATION MEASURES. ALL TAP WATER FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION SHOULD BE BOILED AT A ROLLING BOIL FOR AT LEAST ONE MINUTE AND THEN COOLED PRIOR TO USE.

 **Again, Residents are urged to not use tap water while conservation measures are in place and should utilize the points of distribution that are established. The warming center and bathroom facilities at the Recreation Center at 28 Williams Street will be open until 8:00 pm.

**Bottled water and non-potable water will also remain available at the firehouse until 8:00 pm. Residents with portable water containers can fill them at the firehouse until 8:00 pm.

**If anyone is homebound and needs water delivery assistance, please call the Whitehall Village Office from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm at 518-499-0871.

**This morning the crews are back at Pine Lake and the Village’s water treatment facility, coordinating the startup of pumping from Pine Lake to the Village’s drinking water system. The drinking water distribution system will be monitored for impacts arising from the lack of water, and Village crews will be working throughout the Village to oversee the efforts.

**If anyone notices any evidence of water leaks such as bubbling from the ground, or other abnormalities, they are encouraged to contact the Village at 518-499-0871.

 

Mayor Putorti again acknowledges the efforts of the Village residents, and our State and Local partners in this ongoing water emergency. We hope to have significant progress today. Thank you!! We will provide another update at 4:00pm tonight

 

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING THE BOILING NOTICE (Q&A NYS Dept of Health): Click here 

 

**Register your information and address for NY-Alert through Washington County –Click  https://alert.ny.gov/ 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Water Supply Update

December 10, 2024 4:00 PM

 

The State of Emergency for the Village of Whitehall remains in effect. Some residents may begin to see water availability, however, a boil water emergency and water conservation restrictions remain in effect. Residents are notified not to use the water except for absolute emergency purposes only. Under no circumstances should washers, dishwashers, showers or similar water usage occur until the Village can confirm the status of emergency repairs.

RESIDENTS ARE REMINDED THAT THIS WATER IS NOT YET DRINKING WATER SAFE, AND THAT THE LIMITED SUPPLY STILL REQUIRES CONSERVATION MEASURES. ALL TAP WATER FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION SHOULD BE BOILED AT A ROLLING BOIL FOR AT LEAST ONE MINUTE AND THEN COOLED PRIOR TO USE.  CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.

The warming center and bathroom facilities at the Recreation Center at 28 Williams Street will be open until 8:00 pm. Bottled water and non-potable water will also remain available at the firehouse until 8:00 pm. Residents with portable water containers can fill them at the firehouse until 8:00 pm. If anyone is homebound and needs water delivery assistance, please call the Whitehall Village Office from 8:00am–4:00pm at 518-499-0871. Overnight, the Village was able to slowly fill the drinking water tank and has begun the process of recharging the water supply to the Village. Crews from Tom Kubricky Construction (TKC) are on site cutting a pump into the Pine Lake water intake to assist natural gravity forces within the Village’s water supply. This process is expected to take 24-48 hours, and even then, the incoming water supply limitations on the Village’s system will remain. The Mayor again thanks all residents for their patience. The team that has been assembled has worked on addressing the situation as quickly as possible and we are all grateful for their efforts. Thank you!! We will provide another update at 10:00 am tomorrow. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS (Q&A NYS Dept of Health): Click here 

 

**Register your information and address for NY-Alert through Washington County –Click  https://alert.ny.gov/ 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Water Supply Update             

December 10, 2024  10:00 AM

 

The State of Emergency for the Village of Whitehall remains in effect.  Mayor Putorti reported Tuesday morning that the Village was able to slowly fill the water tank at the drinking water treatment facility over night.  Residents will slowly see water return to the system over the next 24-48 hours.  However, emergency water conservation measures remain, because Pine Lake is not able to fill the system as quickly as normal water usage depletes the system. 

 

Residents are notified not to use the water except for absolute emergency purposes only.  Under no circumstances should washers, dishwashers, showers or similar water usage occur until further notice. 

 

The Village has opened an emergency shelter at the Recreation Center at 28 Williams Street in the Village.  Portable restroom facilities are on route and should be available by mid-day.  In addition, bottled water and non-potable water remain is available at the Fire House until 8pm tonight.  Residents with portable water containers can fill them at the firehouse.  If anyone is homebound and needs assistance, please call the Village office: 518-499-0871.

 

Emergency repair efforts continue.  Representatives from State agencies and the Village’s engineer, contractor and DPW personnel are actively on scene at Pine Lake and the Village’s water treatment facility to further emergency repairs.  These repairs should help restore service flow, but water conservation measures are expected to continue for the next few days.

 

The Mayor wanted to thank all residents for their continued patience, and everyone for the support they have provided to the Village.  The cooperation of Village residents in conserving water in this difficult time has been outstanding.  Thank you!!

 

We will provide another update at 4pm today.

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Water Supply Update             

December 9, 2024  4:00 PM

 

Whitehall Village Mayor Francis Putorti offered the following update for the residents of the Village of Whitehall:

 

As you know, the Village is currently experiencing a shortage of water supply.  Mayor Putorti has declared a state of emergency and personnel from Washington County and various State agencies have responded for assistance. 

 

Today, a diver was used to check the intake in Pine Lake, the source of water supply for the Village.  The screen was cleaned but there was not a large increase in flow to the water plant. The Village is working with State agencies and the Village’s engineers and contractor to arrive at an emergency additional supply from Pine Lake, to be followed by other improvements as the planning continues. 

 

Bottled water will be available until 8pm tonight at the Village firehouse, and starting again tomorrow at 8am.  The Village is also working on non-potable water availability for flushing toilets. 

 

The Village understands the difficulty that this emergency has caused.  We are working as fast as we can to coordinate the necessary response, and the Village appreciates the outpouring of support and the patience of Village residents. 

 

We will provide another update at 10am tomorrow.

 

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