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Johnstown Sewer Board report: $50,000 engineering grant, CoGen and biogas projects under discussion
Summary
Sewer Board updates reported to the Common Council include a $50,000 engineering grant for sludge-reduction study, ongoing work to bring CoGen to full capacity, discussion of a FAGE biogas digester, sale of $5,154 in generated electricity to National Grid, and a potential new sewer rate model for 2026.
Eric Parker, Council Member and Sewer Board liaison, reported on the Sewer Board meeting of Aug. 13 during the Aug. 18 Common Council session.
Parker said the board is working to bring the CoGen system to full capacity and that the sewer plant received a $50,000 engineering grant to study sludge reduction technologies. A proposed biogas digester project by FAGE is under discussion but no decision has been recorded. Parker also noted that the plant generated electricity sold back to National Grid totaled $5,154 and that a longtime lab technician retired after 37 years; new hires are expected to begin in September. The board is considering a new sewer rate model for 2026; the 2024 audit was completed with no significant issues.
Why it matters: the sewage-treatment projects under study — including CoGen optimization and a potential biogas digester — could affect plant operations, revenue streams from energy generation and future rate-setting that would affect ratepayers if implemented.
Next steps: the Sewer Board will continue study and discussion; the minutes do not specify timelines or funding allocations beyond the noted $50,000 grant.
