Operator warns plant is aging and under consent order; commission moves on repairs and sludge disposal

Chief Operator Isaac Golding reported that Northfield’s wastewater plant is 'severely aged' and operating under a Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection consent order, and he said regular emergencies occur between agenda posting and meetings.

Commissioners discussed operational needs raised by the operator: rising sludge removal costs (adjusted upward for fuel surcharges), a concern about sludge thickness, and the potential to send additional loads to Montague as Greenfield reduces acceptance. Isaac said he has solicited three quotes for manhole repair and noted four buried manholes that change cost estimates; he supported coordinating manhole resetting with pending highway paving work so manhole invoices are kept separate from paving charges.

Short-term operational items include an ordered flow meter, a plan to order new valves that are becoming difficult to open, and ongoing I&I work by Evenflo and a separate 2025-data I&I report being prepared by Eric (to be quoted and shared with MassDEP). The commission also flagged a new home on East St. that was tied into the sewer without prior notice to the operator; Isaac required photographs of the service line work before signing off and said he will send a plant process diagram and a collection-system map to guest Matt Belden.

Commissioners agreed to schedule an evening session ('Michele night') focused on billing, liens and regulations to build internal capacity; a date has not yet been set. The meeting closed with next meeting notices and adjournment at 6:24 PM.