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Study presents $15M–$26M options for West Swanzey wastewater; planning board to follow up
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Summary
Underwood Engineering’s study gave Swansea two main options for the West Swanzey wastewater treatment problem: pipe flows to Keene (estimated ~$15 million) or build a new activated‑sludge plant (~$26 million). Board members said the town must find interim fixes to avoid phosphorus violations while longer-term decisions are evaluated.
The Swansea Planning Board on March 26 reviewed a briefing about a recent engineering study on the West Swanzey wastewater treatment plant and discussed funding and interim options to address looming permit limits for phosphorus.
A representative summarized the study by Underwood Engineering, which presented two primary options: construct a new activated‑sludge treatment plant (roughly $26,000,000) or route flows to Keene by installing a conveyance system (approximately $15,000,000). The study did not provide detailed repair options for the existing lagoon, and board members said they would like to explore alternatives and a second engineering opinion.
Board members noted the town has limited options for immediate capital projects and that any long‑term fix may require voter approval because of the high costs involved. "It's a big one," a board member said, noting the potential scale of financing and the challenge of persuading voters to approve large expenditures.
The board also heard that, unless interim fixes are implemented, the plant may be in violation of phosphorus limits soon; staff said the state has allowed some temporary flexibility but the town needs a plan for the next 3–5 years. The board was advised to review the study further and to bring the topic to upcoming water/wastewater committee meetings for deeper analysis and budgeting discussion.
