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Millville wastewater staff outline costly Trojan UV module replacements; recommends using sewer budget and cooperative pricing
Summary
Public works staff described the city’s aging Trojan UV disinfection system, estimating high part costs (bulbs about $500 each, ballast about $1,300) and recommended phased module replacement using sewer funds and cooperative contracts; the commission endorsed proceeding with budgeted non‑bonded spending.
Public works staff briefed the commission on the upcoming maintenance and partial replacement of the city’s Trojan UV system used to disinfect wastewater before discharge. The presenter explained that the current modules and lamps were installed in 2017, are approaching recommended end of life, and that Trojan’s replacement parts are proprietary.
"These are UV bulbs that sanitize the water before it's expelled into the river," the wastewater presenter said, noting individual lamp costs of roughly $500 and ballasts around $1,300 each. Staff presented an analysis showing it would cost less to install new modular units now (with larger canisters and improved components) than to rebuild old modules repeatedly; the department proposed a phased replacement schedule and to pay from the sewer budget (not the municipal tax base).
Commissioners asked about cooperative purchasing and warranty timing; staff said last year’s prices could be secured if orders are placed by May and that warranties begin when new units are installed.
Why it matters: UV disinfection is a regulatory and public‑health necessity for wastewater treatment; near‑term capital and maintenance choices affect operating budgets, environmental compliance and river water quality. The commission indicated support for proceeding through existing budget authority and cooperative purchasing mechanisms.
