The Town of Stratford Water Pollution Control Authority convened on November 25, 2024, to discuss critical improvements to the flood protection system at the wastewater treatment plant. The meeting focused on the proposed project aimed at enhancing flood resilience, which is vital for maintaining wastewater services for the community.

The presentation began with an overview of the current flood protection measures, which consist of earthen dikes that encircle the plant. These structures, built in the 1970s, are designed to prevent water intrusion but require significant upgrades to meet modern safety standards. The existing system currently protects the plant up to elevations of 9 to 13 feet, but new regulations from Connecticut's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) necessitate a redesign to withstand a 500-year flood event plus an additional two feet for safety.

Key points of the proposed project include the construction of approximately 3,100 linear feet of new dikes and flood walls, with elevations reaching 17 to 18 feet along Beacon Point Road. The design will incorporate a combination of flood walls and dikes, with specific attention to areas underlain by compressible organic soils, which pose challenges for traditional earthen embankments. To address these concerns, the project will utilize reinforced concrete flood walls supported by piles driven into stable soil.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of maintaining access for emergency services and daily operations at the plant. Deployable floodgates will be installed at strategic points to allow for quick response during storm events, ensuring that access to the plant remains open while providing necessary flood protection.

Regulatory permitting is underway, with expectations for approval from DEEP by March 2025. The bidding phase is scheduled for March to May 2025, with construction anticipated to begin in May and conclude by September 2027.

Overall, the meeting underscored the urgency of enhancing the flood protection system to safeguard the wastewater treatment facility, which is essential for the town's infrastructure and public health. The proposed improvements aim to mitigate potential flood damage and ensure the continued operation of wastewater services in Stratford.