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Sewer plant solar array and phosphorus pilot move forward; Swansea Lake dam engineers sought
Summary
Town staff reported a solar array at the wastewater plant should break ground in early May, a phosphorus-treatment pilot is imminent, and the town issued an RFP to select an engineer to address state-identified deficiencies at Swansea Lake Dam.
Town staff told the board a solar array at the wastewater treatment plant is in final approval with the project expected to break ground in early May, and they described an engineering pilot at the plant to trial a different chemical aimed at reducing phosphorus discharges.
The pilot plan is part of an engineering grant and staff said they are finalizing orders for the chemicals and expect the pilot to be operational shortly. Separately, the Swansea Lake Dam has received letters of deficiency from state inspectors; staff issued a request for qualifications and have received seven engineering submissions. The next step is to interview and select an engineer to design corrective work after the engineer selection and funding source are determined.
Staff emphasized there is no design yet and no construction schedule for the dam; the immediate work is limited to selecting an engineer and identifying funding. The goal for the solar array and pilot is to proceed quickly, with solar construction slated to start in early May if final approvals are completed.
Why this matters: wastewater plant upgrades and dam repairs affect regulatory compliance, environmental performance and long-term infrastructure costs. The town’s selection of an engineer will determine the timing and scope of any corrective work for the dam.
