Task force backs up to $15,000 for summer river baseline testing to support permitting

The Jericho Wastewater Task Force voted at the meeting to recommend that the select board authorize up to $15,000 from the FY27 wastewater allocation for baseline river water‑quality monitoring during the May–October sampling season.

A member moved that the task force recommend a contract amendment (DNK/Dubo & King) to carry out the monitoring; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. Task force members argued the sampling will provide the baseline nitrates and phosphorus concentrations the town needs to test load assumptions used for indirect discharge permitting and to avoid delays in final design and permit submission.

DEC staff explained the monitoring focus for indirect discharge permits. "For the indirect discharge permit we only evaluate nitrates uh and phosphorus and pH," the DEC representative said, describing the parameters DEC uses to assess impacts on surface waters. Task force members and consultants discussed sampling frequency, the number of sampling locations, and laboratory costs; the consultant's proposal for a five‑month program totaled up to $15,000, which members asked DNK to sharpen before the select board action.

Members noted that monitoring results are generally valid for up to two years for permitting purposes, and that an early baseline reduces the risk that a later-performed test would delay permit submittal. The group asked DNK to try to refine the cost or scope and to prepare a contract amendment for the select board.