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Riverside Sewerage Authority flags repeated E. coli exceedances, asks contractor Glasco to attend next meeting
Summary
The Authority reported repeated E. coli results above NJDEP limits and multiple plant system failures, instructed counsel to summon contractor Glasco to the next meeting, and reviewed emergency repairs to the primary digester and an out‑of‑service sand filter.
The Riverside Sewerage Authority on Dec. 9, 2024 addressed persistent treatment problems at its wastewater plant, including E. coli exceedances and equipment failures, and directed legal counsel to request the contractor Glasco attend the Authority's next meeting.
Superintendent Jeffrey M. Conard told the board the Authority continues to record E. coli results above limits set by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and reported a recent comparison of monitoring data: "our number is 139 and Glasco's number is 52," he said. The Plant Operator's Report for October also noted an E. coli noncompliance and listed ongoing maintenance issues including a Secondary Digester that "is not operating as designed," an out‑of‑service sand filter undergoing repair, and calibration of influent and effluent flow meters. The sand filter outage is tied to DEP Case #24-06-07-1456-32.
The Authority reviewed emergency work on the Primary Digester, where Engineer Tom Leisse reported crews removed the lid to scrape scaling and rust from the underside and then replaced the lid so the digester could return to service. The Operator's Report records removal of 25 cubic yards of dewatered sludge by Seaside Waste Services Company for composting at the county facility and notes that the Primary Digester roof had been removed for inspection and repair preparation.
During the meeting Chairman Giovanetti and superintendent reports prompted the Authority to instruct Attorney Albert Marmero to draft a letter to Glasco requesting that company representatives attend the next meeting to discuss the UV disinfection system, monitoring results and corrective steps. The instruction was recorded as a direction to counsel, not a formal vote.
Members of the public raised related operational concerns during both the technical and informational public portions. John Stypinksi of Johnnie's Plumbing and Heating reported a new‑connection request for 262 Progress Street that the Authority approved, and separately told the board the property at 434 Bridgeboro Street has experienced "constant sewer back‑up." Treasurer Meghan Jack said the Authority is cleaning up that property, billing the owner and explained the lien process.
No enforcement action or contractor penalty was voted at the Dec. 9 meeting. The Authority's next public meeting will be the vehicle to follow up on the draft letter to Glasco and to review any responses or additional plant data.
