Clayton moves to address sewer inflow-and-infiltration, schedules inspections and tank wall repairs

Town officials discussed ongoing inflow-and-infiltration (I&I) problems in the sanitary sewer system and steps to reduce excess stormwater entering the collection system.

Council reviewed a drafted letter asking homeowners to check for improper connections of downspouts and sump pumps to the sanitary sewer and offering a free inspection to help locate and identify connections that contribute to I&I. Staff said the letter, prepared by Pete, emphasizes a team approach and that inspections will be provided at no charge to homeowners who do not know whether they have improper hookups.

Council members and staff also reviewed operational issues at the wastewater treatment plant. The council approved a motion to replace two collapsing walls associated with the south tank and the east side of the sludge chamber to restore functionality. The motion passed by voice vote.

Operators reported high flows tied to recent heavy rain. At the meeting John Massigale provided monthly flow figures, and staff said they had more daily flow in April than in previous months; operators said they were being cautious with wasting so as not to upset biological processes in the plant. The council and staff discussed obtaining camera-inspection bids to trace unexpected pipe connections and locate sources of infiltration; staff noted past inspections in 2019 may not have covered all lines.

Council asked staff to collect prices for camera inspections and to finalize the homeowner notification letter, then return with cost estimates and next steps for the sewer I&I reduction effort.