URI Agrees to Extend Lease for Wastewater Treatment Capacity amid Flow Challenges

The Narragansett Town Council meeting held on August 4, 2025, focused on critical discussions regarding wastewater management and capacity planning. The meeting began with an overview of the influent flow trends observed at the wastewater treatment plant, particularly noting a dip in June coinciding with the closure of the University of Rhode Island (URI) and a subsequent surge in flows around July 4.

Council members discussed the challenges posed by aging equipment and increased loads, which have led to insufficient aeration capacity. Temporary portable equipment was deployed to manage the increased flow during peak times, but it was deemed inadequate. Plans were initiated to explore additional short-term solutions in collaboration with Wright Pierce, a consulting firm, to enhance the plant's operational efficiency.

A significant point of discussion was the status of the contract with URI, which had expired in June. The council clarified that the agreement had originally been a five-year contract, with extensions granted in previous years. A verbal agreement was reached with URI to extend the lease, although negotiations regarding potential cost increases were ongoing. The council emphasized the need for a longer-term capacity agreement, as the planning for future wastewater needs is critical and cannot be resolved in a short timeframe.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to follow up with URI to finalize the lease extension and ensure that the necessary capacity is secured for the community's future needs. The council recognized the urgency of these discussions, given the projected timelines for implementing improvements to the wastewater treatment process.