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Wastewater operator reports solar array online; loan and mandated jetting costs remain uncertain
Summary
Wastewater staff reported the town’s solar array is online but that loan repayment terms and the scheme’s net savings are not yet finalized; the department will also increase sewer‑main jetting and cleaning to meet EPA permit requirements.
Wastewater staff reported that a recently installed solar array has gone online and is intended to offset plant electricity use, but officials do not yet know the loan-payment amount or the net operating impact.
Joe (wastewater/DPW) said the town must determine the solar array loan payment and how it will be booked in the wastewater budget. He said the array’s intent is to power the wastewater plant but that billing and loan details remain to be confirmed with the state and project lenders. Wastewater staff agreed to follow up with state and financing contacts to clarify the expected loan-payment and net cost or savings.
Separately, the department plans increased sewer-main jetting and cleaning to comply with EPA permit terms. Joe said the program calls for cleaning roughly one‑third of the system per year; the town has not performed comprehensive jetting in several years, so staff intend an immediate effort over this year and next to catch up and then return to a regular schedule.
Other operating changes include a vehicle reassignment (an added former police cruiser) and the ongoing need for supplies and testing kits after a new full‑time operator identified several equipment and parts deficiencies. Board members asked for a clearer breakout of FICA and payroll drivers; staff noted large payroll and benefit lines should be clarified for the finalized budget.
