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Commission approves pilot of BioCleaner system to cut sludge; no upfront cost to city, third‑party verification planned
Summary
The commission approved an amendment to pilot BioCleaner probiotic baskets in thickened-waste tanks, a no‑cost trial the vendor says could reduce sludge by up to 80%; an independent consultant will verify reductions and measured savings will be shared under the contract.
The Fore River Sewer Commission on June 16 authorized a pilot program with BioCleaner to test a probiotic media system intended to reduce sludge in the plant’s thickened-waste tanks.
Staff described the pilot as a low upfront-risk experiment: BioCleaner will deploy basket‑style probiotic media in thickened-waste tanks, install minimal ancillary equipment (a small blower), and staff said there is no cost to the city for equipment or installation. According to staff, the vendor claims reductions of up to 80% in sludge volume; staff emphasized that the effort will be verified by an independent third‑party consultant using a rolling three‑month average to avoid month‑to‑month variance.
Under the contract structure explained to commissioners, measured disposal-cost savings would be shared: the city would retain 50% of validated savings and Infamark (the plant’s operations contractor) would retain 50%, with Infamark expected to share a portion of its share with BioCleaner and reinvest part into facility needs. The amendment grants authority to test the system, requires third‑party certification of results and includes a buyout option at the end of a three‑year pilot if the technology proves effective.
Commissioners asked about timeline and risk. Staff estimated BioCleaner could be on site within 30–60 days of full city and contract approvals, with a three‑month ramp period to observe initial biological effects and four to five months before a clear determination of performance. Staff said they would not expect operational disruption and that the pilot would be monitored carefully.
The commission approved Amendment #2 to Infamark’s contract to begin the BioCleaner pilot by voice vote. Commissioners requested periodic reports to the board and third‑party certification of any claimed savings before any payment or reinvestment occurred.
Next steps: execute the amendment, schedule third‑party monitoring and return to the commission with early ramp‑up updates and the independent evaluation.
