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Richmond debates regional septage dewatering site and operator role as $2.5M congressional request advances
Summary
State modeling highlighted a potential dewatering facility near the interstate that could handle regional septage. Richmond commissioners raised concerns about sewer access, potential revenue loss, and discussed pursuing operator status and involvement in siting; staff said two U.S. senators have advanced a congressional funding request estimated at $2.5 million.
State modeling of septage flows prompted Richmond commissioners on June 17 to discuss a potential regional dewatering facility near the interstate and whether the town should seek a role as operator to protect revenue and influence siting.
Staff said the state's model included a site in the Richmond area that could receive septage, but commissioners pointed out there is no sewer line to that location and that constructing access would take considerable time and cost. One commissioner said putting the dewatering facility at that interstate location could remove truck traffic from downtown — a benefit — but would also likely divert septage revenue that Richmond currently receives. The commission discussed whether Richmond should engage in early planning to influence location and, if appropriate, pursue operation of the facility to preserve revenue.
Separately, staff updated the commission that two senators have forwarded the town's congressional spending request for upgrades to the septage receiving and processing facility; the estimate discussed was roughly $2.5 million and the request remains in an early part of the federal review process. The staffer described the movement through senators' offices as encouraging but noted many steps remain in the federal appropriations process.
Next steps: commissioners agreed to keep the dewatering location on a future agenda, consider closer participation in regional planning, and follow congressional funding developments as they proceed through the federal process.
