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Middletown WPCA weighs treatment-plant upgrades and a reduced bonding package; feasibility study proposed
Summary
The Middletown Water Pollution Control Authority reviewed staff recommendations for a November bonding package originally sized at $16 million (later discussed as $9.5 million), covering treatment-plant upgrades, I&I work and a lead service-line replacement program, and authorized moving forward with feasibility studies to scope options.
The Middletown Water Pollution Control Authority heard a staff briefing on proposed capital projects and a recommended bonding package that would fund treatment-plant upgrades, additional inflow-and-infiltration projects and a large lead service-line replacement program.
"We recommended to the mayor a bonding of $16,000,000," Joseph Fizzino, director, said, adding that the mayor's office appeared to have reduced that figure in subsequent discussions to about $9,500,000. Fizzino told the board the original plant engineer will be asked to provide a feasibility proposal and recommendations for improvements to aging equipment.
Brian Robillard, chief engineer for the water and sewer department, said some treatment-plant equipment is breaking down and that the plants last saw major improvements roughly 35 years ago. He and other board members urged a study to identify prioritized work and costs rather than moving immediately to construction.
Board members also discussed operational constraints and treatment options, including temporary reliance on River Road supply after a reservoir shutdown for taste-and-odor problems. A separate proposal from engineering firm WSP to study and locate potential new well sites was mentioned as another option to increase capacity, though members cautioned about permitting, separation-distance requirements and cost.
The board did not take a formal vote on bonding during the meeting; members asked staff to refine costs, study options and provide additional background for the mayor's office and future council consideration. Next steps include commissioning feasibility studies and returning with more detailed recommendations and cost estimates.
