Town reports 7–8% water/wastewater operating cost rise; PFAS and aging infrastructure noted

At the June 22 public hearing, Town Manager Scott Pickup said Springfield’s water and wastewater operating costs are projected to increase roughly 7–8%, driven by inflationary pressure on chemicals, fuel and other inputs and by required investments in cybersecurity and SCADA controls identified in a recent audit.

Pickup said the town is pursuing state and federal grant support, has recently increased septic hauler fees to better match costs with revenues, and is advancing multiyear, bond-funded infrastructure upgrades that currently benefit from substantial state subsidy. Wastewater Superintendent Nate Ells said many major treatment assets are 20–40 years old and that a 20-year engineering review of the wastewater facility is underway in coordination with the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation; a report from that review is expected in the fall, and process changes are being evaluated to reduce high biosolids disposal costs.

Water Superintendent Roy reported the water system remains in compliance but has PFAS at advisory levels; he cautioned that future regulatory tightening could require treatment investments. Staff told the board the town is operating under existing permits while renewals are processed, and that no formal cost-benefit analysis has been completed for a hypothetical in-town gravel source compared with current out-of-town purchasing.

No formal vote or funding decision was recorded at the hearing; the public hearing was closed at 7:41 p.m.