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Council approves $226,000 to cover unanticipated jump in wastewater chemical costs
Summary
After the city’s wastewater dissolved-oxygen contract returned a single bid at more than double the previous price, the Chicopee City Council approved a $226,000 transfer on Feb. 18 to cover chemical needs and maintain DEP/EPA permit compliance.
The Chicopee City Council on Feb. 18 approved a $226,000 appropriation to the DPW wastewater expense account after officials said rebidding a dissolved-oxygen contract yielded a single bid more than double prior prices.
The mayor introduced the order and the city’s wastewater superintendent explained the cost increase and higher chemical usage at the plant. “We had to rebid our dissolved dissolved oxygen contract, which is one of our primary chemicals,” the superintendent said. “The cost came back at more than double what it was prior.”
The superintendent said the plant pays vendors up front and receives reimbursement where applicable; without the additional funds the city could be short approximately $226,000 to carry the wastewater operation through the fiscal year. He added the chemicals are necessary to treat wastewater and to maintain compliance with the plant’s permit with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Councilors had no extended debate and the appropriation passed by roll call. The motion carried on the evening’s vote checklist.
