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Ridgewood water director outlines PFAS testing contracts and authorization for short‑term I‑Bank loans for treatment and lead replacement
Summary
Director Rich Calvi presented multiple water utility contract awards (PFAS lab work, sodium hypochlorite supply, meter and service contracts), security upgrades and requested short‑term loan authorizations through the NJ Infrastructure Bank for PFAS facilities and an $18.8 million note for lead service line replacement; council discussion focused on budgets and implementation.
Rich Calvi, director for the Ridgewood Water Utility, presented a package of annual contracts and recommended extensions on Nov. 19 bid openings and asked the council to authorize short‑term loans through the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank for several PFAS treatment facilities and for lead service line replacement.
Calvi listed the low bidders and not‑to‑exceed amounts for several contract lines, including PFAS laboratory analysis to PACE Analytical (~$77,000), routine laboratory services (~$177,755), sodium hypochlorite supply (~$121,950), and parts and service contracts for meters and piping. He also described a security upgrade (cameras and door access) across three PFAS plants and a request to participate in an in‑kind/cash research partnership with the New Jersey Institute of Technology's Center for Transitional Research (initial $2,500 commitment for the first year).
The utility also requested authorization for short‑term notes through the state iBank for previously appropriated projects: three PFAS treatment facilities and a short‑term note for lead service line replacements in the amount of $18.8 million (a bond ordinance already authorized the project). Calvi said the short‑term loans are a standard financing step; the projects have construction offers and funds have been appropriated in prior bond ordinances.
Councilors asked budget and procurement questions; Calvi said the short‑term note authorizations are formalities to permit interim borrowing before final long‑term financing. A separate lead service line replacement contract has begun and work is underway; Calvi said he expects the ultimate cost to be lower than the $18.8 million appropriation but would report progress as contracts are completed.
