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Somerset water and sewer departments report progress on pump stations, manhole inspections and testing
Summary
Superintendent Wickman and Sewer Plant Manager Sean Pires reported progress on booster‑pump startup, water main replacements, routine and non‑routine testing (THM/HAA5, TOC), and NPDES‑related manhole inspections; crews found two unmapped manholes near Pleasant Street pump station.
At the May 20, 2026 meeting of the Board of Water and Sewer Commissioners, department leaders reported operational progress on pipeline and treatment work and on permit‑related inspections.
Superintendent Christopher Wickman said staff are preparing second‑quarter trihalomethane (THM) and haloacetic acids (HAA5) testing and completing the EPA‑required five‑year Risk and Resilience Assessment (RRA). He reported a non‑routine Total Organic Carbon (TOC) analysis of finished water produced results well below the desired threshold. "The pumps were tested today and are operating properly based on system pressure conditions," Wickman said regarding the Hot and Cold Lane Booster Pump Station, which remains on track for a mid‑June startup.
Wickman also reported water main and service replacements on Williams Court should finish within a day or two, and the next phase will address Pine Street, which is still served by a 2‑inch galvanized main. He reminded the public that fishing and other recreational activity are prohibited at the Somerset Reservoir to protect water quality.
Sewer Plant Manager and Chief Operator Sean Pires said plant flows have ranged from 2.2 to 3.2 MGD. He described improved settling in primary clarifiers as flows decrease and said operators will plan liquid‑sludge disposals to reduce overall disposal costs. Startup and troubleshooting have begun on small pump stations: Cherry Street, Owen Avenue, Gay Street and Durfee Court are operating; Millers Lane remains in startup this week. Wright‑Pierce is conducting manhole lifts and inspections around town as part of NPDES permit compliance, and crews identified two manholes that were not on the map in an easement near the Pleasant Street pump station.
Pires noted the wastewater treatment facility recently sent out quarterly testing, including whole effluent toxicity (WET) analyses, and that a temporary sludge‑hauling contractor has been accommodating liquid pickups so far without major issues.
The Board also discussed collecting manhole elevations in flood zones to complete Collections System O&M work and to meet NPDES obligations. Wickman said a rescheduled meeting with the rate‑study consultant is planned for Friday to review the capital plan and funding strategy and that staff will bring further updates to the Board at its next meeting.
No formal action beyond the previously noted change order and budget votes was taken on operations during the session.
