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Finance committee delays decision on $2 million EPA biosolids design grant after extended debate
Summary
The committee debated a $2,000,000 EPA grant for design work on a biosolids dryer at the Brockton wastewater plant; councilors raised concerns about costs, health and operational risks, sole RFP respondent CDM Smith, and transparency. A motion to postpone consideration for two weeks passed on a 6–1 vote.
The Brockton Finance Committee on Monday debated whether to accept and expend a $2,000,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency intended to fund design work for a biosolids dryer at the city’s wastewater treatment plant, then voted to postpone action for two weeks.
CFO Dr. Troy Clarkson and DPW Commissioner Patrick Hill briefed the committee on the award, which stems from congressionally directed spending and companioned earlier grant efforts. Dr. Clarkson said the EPA held the funds while the city completed a procurement process and that the appropriation will allow the city to begin the design phase. He said the design phase does not commit the city to construction and that the design contract has not yet been finalized.
Commissioner Hill and Dr. Clarkson traced the project’s recent history: Brockton previously pursued a roughly $35 million project through the State Revolving Fund but withdrew that application in 2023; the city issued an RFEI and later an RFP for design, and CDM Smith was the only firm that submitted a design proposal so far. No design contract has yet been signed, Hill said.
Officials described the prospective technology as a dryer that would reduce the water content of biosolids. Hill said current biosolids are roughly 26 percent solids and 74 percent water and that drying would reduce the moisture content substantially. He estimated the dryer could eliminate about 80 hauling truck trips per year from current operations (he said the plant currently requires about 750 truck trips annually) and that current annual biosolids disposal costs are about $3.7 million. Hill said a dryer would likely reduce hauling and tipping costs, though final savings will depend on the design.
Councilors voiced concerns about long‑term capital and operating costs, environmental and health risks, procurement transparency and conflicts of interest. Councilor Nicastro asked why the RFP produced a single proposer's bid and pressed the administration for wider solicitation; Hill said many firms decline projects that carry unknown risks and that CDM Smith has long worked on Brockton’s sewer plant and therefore has local experience.
Several councilors read from or referenced an EPA summary of heat‑drying technology that lists potential disadvantages, including substantial capital and energy needs, dust generation, explosive dust hazards, the need for skilled operators, and nuisance odors. Councilor Farwell and others urged the administration to seek a regional approach and to explore whether nearby communities could share capacity; Hill said previous regional proposals had not matured.
Councilor Nicastro said she had been denied certain related public records under claims of attorney‑client privilege and said that lack of documentation raised concerns. Other councilors warned against moving forward without clearer cost estimates and vendor documentation. Commissioner Hill agreed to provide updated quotes and permitting details as negotiations progress.
After extended discussion, a motion to postpone the matter for two weeks carried on a roll‑call vote (6–1). The committee record shows the item will return for further consideration after the administration supplies additional information requested by councilors.
