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Fairfield WPCF faces higher sludge disposal costs and PFAS-related constraints; capital projects advance
Summary
Staff reported November PFAS monitoring showed typical municipal concentrations but noted Fairfield is the state's only composting facility; because of state guidance gaps, biosolids will not be land-applied in Connecticut for now and disposal costs will rise. Capital updates included digester repairs, trunk contract execution and Phase 5 work.
Fairfield Water Pollution Control Facility staff reported rising challenges on biosolids disposal and offered updates on several capital projects at the Dec. 18 WPCA meeting.
Staff said November PFAS sampling of influent, effluent and compost showed results within typical municipal ranges and ‘‘no significant changes,’’ but noted Connecticut lacks firm guidance for land application of biosolids and Fairfield is the only local facility currently composting. Because New York and Massachusetts have thresholds and Connecticut has not provided comparable guidance, speakers said the plant will not land-apply biosolids in Connecticut for the time being and will instead send material out of state, a temporary measure that will increase disposal costs.
Operational updates included near-complete secondary digester cleaning and repairs (new rails, plates and gas piping installed), ongoing bypass pumping while Turney Creek siphon work continues, and execution of the trunk replacement contract (contractor: Kelowna; engineer: DNB) with a 600-day contract term. Staff also reported receiving Phase 5 bid documents and draft investigation reports for Phase 1 that are under review; an RFQ for a UV disinfection system and other high-priority equipment upgrades is in preparation with an internal target to circulate a draft by Jan. 9.
Staff said they have reached out to WeCare Denali and state legislators about markets and regulatory guidance for biosolids. Commissioners were informed that changes in disposal practices and PFAS-related restrictions will likely increase operating costs and that the office is working on a long-term financial plan tied to a finalized capital plan.
