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Board approves short‑term sludge disposal contract as plant staff start pump‑station upgrades
Summary
The board approved a short‑term contract with Bay State Sewage Disposal for liquid sludge removal as staff bring new pump stations online and address screw‑pump issues; Wright‑Pierce will assist with clarifier repairs tied to NPDES permit compliance.
The Somerset Board of Water & Sewer Commissioners on May 6 approved a temporary liquid sludge transportation and disposal agreement with Bay State Sewage Disposal, LLC while plant operations continue work on pump‑station upgrades and clarifier repairs.
Superintendent Christopher Wickman told the board the proposal is a two‑month contract with optional one‑month renewals and that it has been reviewed by legal counsel and the vendor; the board voted to approve the short‑term agreement as written. Chairman Steven Cadorette said Wright‑Pierce will continue to assist with the contract and with NPDES permit‑related tasks.
Plant Manager and Chief Operator Sean Pires reported Sewer Department flows averaging about 3.0–3.5 MGD and described two maintenance concerns with the screw pumps (trunnion and bearings on one unit and a possible oil leak on the other). He said lower plant flows allowed staff to shut down the grit channel for repair and to take one screw pump offline for maintenance. Pires also reported the Durfee Court Pump Station was brought online after a VFD programming fix and that startup for Gay Station would begin the following day.
The board discussed portable generator needs for emergency mode testing. Clerk Robert E. Lima noted a generator line item had been removed earlier to reduce costs and staff are awaiting contractor estimates; Vice‑Chairman Bednarik suggested evaluating rental options to ensure reliable, modern equipment for testing and emergency operations.
Next steps: Wright‑Pierce will inspect and recommend repairs to primary clarifiers for NPDES compliance; staff will continue pump maintenance and return with cost estimates for any required generators or change orders.
