Narragansett Council Reviews Wastewater Management Plan for Scarborough Treatment Plant

The Narragansett Town Council meeting on August 4, 2025, highlighted critical discussions regarding the town's wastewater treatment infrastructure, emphasizing the need for significant upgrades to meet current and future demands.

A key focus of the meeting was the Scarborough Treatment Plant, which is currently operating at capacity. The plant, which serves Narragansett, South Kingstown, and the University of Rhode Island, is facing challenges due to aging equipment and insufficient capacity to handle projected increases in wastewater flow. The average daily flow is currently 0.75 million gallons per day (MGD), but the maximum monthly average can reach 1.69 MGD, exceeding the plant's available capacity of 1.4 MGD.

Council members discussed various alternatives for improving the treatment process. One option involves enhancing the existing oxidation ditch system, which could potentially double its volume but would not adequately address the oxygenation needs for effective treatment. Another proposal considered constructing a new secondary treatment process, which would provide better capacity and efficiency for handling wastewater, particularly as the town anticipates growth in residential and commercial developments.

The meeting also touched on the economic implications of wastewater management, particularly concerning the fishing industry at the Port of Galilee. Currently, the plant does not accommodate fish processing waste, which limits local economic development opportunities. The council acknowledged that improving wastewater infrastructure could facilitate the expansion of fish processing operations, which is vital for the local economy.

In terms of financial implications, the estimated costs for the proposed upgrades are substantial, with projections of over $100 million for sewer expansion and $75 million for improvements to the Scarborough Treatment Plant over the next 20 years. These figures underscore the urgency for the council to address wastewater management effectively to protect the environment and support community growth.

As the council prepares to move forward, the discussions from this meeting will play a crucial role in shaping Narragansett's wastewater management strategy, ensuring that it meets the needs of residents while fostering economic development in the region.