Select Board hears update on West Swanzey wastewater study, operations and funding needs

Select Board members discussed ongoing wastewater challenges in West Swanzey, including studies of the system, operational needs at the sewer plant and potential budget impacts from the state.

Town staff and an invited speaker identified as Joe described studies under way for the West Swanzey wastewater system and said the town owns a portion of the lagoon and collection assets. “One of the things that we’re looking at is maybe shutting a lagoon down and simply sending…we can connect to the KEENE collection,” Joe said. Staff said the study is evaluating whether to decommission a lagoon and rely on connections to a neighboring collection system.

Board members and staff raised funding concerns. Staff said the Department of Environmental Services (DES) faces expected cuts and that DES funding in the town’s budget is uncertain. The board discussed seeking funds in the coming budget cycle for DES-related wastewater work and noted that without additional state support the town may need to rely on existing lines or reallocate town funds.

Operational needs and procurement: The board discussed a recommended desktop computer for the sewer plant so operators can file monthly Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs) and other regulatory submissions; staff proposed a $1,700 desktop as a lower-cost alternative to a laptop. Town staff said monthly reporting requires on-site access and a secure town email for submissions. Staff also described current alarm coverage at pump stations and the lack of a high-water alarm at a holding tank; a no-frills high-water warning was proposed as part of the planning study.

Why it matters: The studies and equipment purchases affect regulatory compliance and day-to-day operation of the sewer plant. Staff said upgrades and alarms are needed to reduce the risk of undetected failures and to ensure the plant can meet reporting requirements.

Board direction: The board agreed to pursue available funds and noted that some capital needs might be scheduled in 2026 depending on town budget timing. Staff said they would identify the specific budget line for the computer purchase and expected operational savings from reducing contracted operator costs. No formal appropriation for large capital work was approved at the meeting.

Ending: Staff said they will continue the planning study, explore DES funding options, and report back to the board with budget-line recommendations for the computer and for next steps on lagoon options.