Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Water Wastewater Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Springfield public hearing on water and wastewater budgets flags rising costs, aging plants and PFAS advisory levels
Summary
Town Manager Scott Pickup told the Selectboard on June 22 that water and wastewater operating costs are projected to rise about 7–8% because of inflation and required investments such as cybersecurity and SCADA upgrades; wastewater assets are 20–40 years old and a VT DEC engineering review is underway; PFAS are present in the water system at advisory levels. Staff said no formal cost-benefit analysis for an in-town gravel source has been completed.
The Selectboard held a public hearing June 22 on the Town of Springfield’s water and wastewater budgets. Town Manager Scott Pickup said overall operating costs are projected to rise "approximately 7–8%" due to inflation in chemicals, fuel and other inputs as well as required investments in cybersecurity and SCADA controls identified after an audit.
Pickup said the town is pursuing state and federal grant support and has adjusted septic-hauler fees to better align revenues with costs. Some capital improvements are funded with bonds and currently benefit from substantial state subsidy.
Wastewater Superintendent Nate told the board that many of the town’s major wastewater treatment assets are 20–40 years old; a 20-year engineering review of the wastewater facility is underway with the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation and a report is expected in the fall. Nate said staff are evaluating process changes to reduce high biosolids disposal costs.
Water Superintendent Roy reported the water system remains in compliance but that PFAS are present at advisory levels; he warned that future regulatory tightening could require treatment investments. Roy also noted that only a small portion of the town’s roughly 55 miles of water main has been replaced to date. Staff confirmed the town is operating under existing permits while renewals are processed and that no formal cost-benefit analysis has yet been conducted for a hypothetical in-town gravel source versus current out-of-town purchasing.
The public hearing record shows town staff identifying budgetary pressures, infrastructure age and regulatory risk as key issues to be addressed as the board considers the budgets.
