Veolia engineers assess capacity issues at Charlton wastewater treatment plant

During the recent Water and Sewer Commissioners' meeting in Charlton, significant concerns were raised regarding the capacity and operational efficiency of the town's wastewater treatment plant. The discussions highlighted the challenges posed by fluctuating wastewater flows, particularly from local industries, which are impacting the plant's performance.

Currently, the plant operates with ten rotating biological contactors (RBCs), but officials are questioning whether they can handle increased flow without compromising the system. The plant is currently processing only 65% of its permitted flow, yet the variability in incoming wastewater—especially from a nearby beer manufacturer—has created operational difficulties. The plant experiences drastic changes in flow, sometimes dropping to zero at night, which is detrimental to the RBCs that thrive on consistent loading.

To address these issues, the plant management has engaged internal engineers from Veolia, the company overseeing the facility, to analyze the situation further. They are exploring potential solutions, including the possibility of recycling effluent to stabilize flow and improve the biological processes within the plant. However, officials emphasized that any changes would need to be carefully considered, as the current fluctuations make it challenging to maintain optimal operations.

Another point of discussion was the recent granting of wastewater capacity to new applicants, including a fire station. Commissioners expressed concern about the implications of these decisions, suggesting that the town may need to establish clearer guidelines on how much wastewater new connections can discharge. As the plant approaches its operational limits, ensuring that new connections do not overwhelm the system will be crucial.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to gather more data over the coming weeks, which will help inform future decisions regarding capacity and operational adjustments. The outcomes of these discussions will be vital for maintaining the reliability of Charlton's wastewater treatment services and ensuring that the community's needs are met effectively.