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Wastewater plant projects advance: UV replacement, zinc study and multi‑year inflow/infiltration program
Summary
WPCA and staff described a multi‑year wastewater capital program that includes a roughly $4 million ultraviolet (UV) replacement and expansion, ongoing zinc/phosphorus evaluation, grant pursuit and a trailer generator replacement; staff noted a $1 million earmark from Congressman Himes for the UV project.
Wastewater plant staff updated elected bodies on planned capital work and longer‑range permit and treatment studies.
Presenters said a UV system replacement and an additional lane expansion is at the front of the capital list and carries a rough cost estimate of about $4 million. The UV bid package was described as nearly complete and the town said it will seek bids with the expectation of a year‑long construction schedule. Staff listed AECOM as the consultant on the UV design and noted federal funding interest: presenters said Congressman Himes toured the plant last year and had earmarked roughly $1 million toward the project.
On nutrient control, presenters described continuing a zinc/phosphorus study and said capital improvements to remove zinc and phosphorus to more stringent limits would be far more expensive—on the order of $10–$12 million—than incremental chemical and operational adjustments. Staff framed the cost‑benefit rationale for continuing targeted studies to determine the least‑cost compliance path before committing to major reconstruction.
The capital plan also lists multi‑year sewer rehabilitation (manhole rehabilitation and sewer relining) targeted at areas with the greatest infiltration and inflow; staff said the approach is phased, with planning for next‑year work occurring in the current year to allow bidding, grant pursuit and construction sequencing. A trailer emergency generator replacement for pump stations and a suite of pump and motor control replacements also appear in the requests; staff said the trailer generator could be redeployed to other town uses when not needed at pump stations.
Presenters emphasized permit timing: the wastewater permit is due in January 2026, and the planning and engineering work now will feed permit negotiations and potential grant applications. Staff said they will continue to pursue state grants and federal assistance where possible.
