Norwalk WPCA proposes $7.6M for 10-year collection system rehabilitation plan

The City of Norwalk Economic and Community Development Committee convened on March 31, 2025, to discuss critical infrastructure funding and project updates. The meeting focused on the Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA) and its ongoing efforts to rehabilitate the city's extensive collection system.

Ralph Kolb, the senior environmental engineer for the WPCA, presented the first agenda item concerning the WPCA collection system rehabilitation. He outlined the need for $7.6 million over the next ten years to maintain and improve over 200 miles of the collection system. This funding is part of a comprehensive plan submitted to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) aimed at reducing inflow and infiltration while preserving assets.

Committee members raised concerns about the proposed budget reduction from $7.6 million to $7 million. Council member Nora questioned whether this reduction would hinder long-term maintenance goals and lead to higher costs in the future. Kolb reassured the committee that the current request is sufficient for upcoming projects and that the WPCA has a financial model in place to manage operating and capital costs effectively.

Further discussions highlighted the importance of timely project execution and the impact of delays in receiving approvals from DEEP. Kolb noted that while some work is ongoing, significant expenditures are contingent on DEEP's response to the submitted plan, which has been pending for nearly two years. The committee acknowledged the challenges posed by federal changes affecting DEEP's operations but expressed confidence in the WPCA's ability to manage its budget and project timelines.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the necessity of maintaining infrastructure funding to avoid future financial burdens. The committee plans to continue monitoring the situation and will revisit the budget as needed, ensuring that the city’s wastewater management remains effective and sustainable.