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Sludge test exceeded regulatory limits briefly; town resumes shipments after retest
Summary
Late-May tests at Bristol’s wastewater treatment revealed SVOC concentrations above regulatory thresholds, halting shipments to the Merrimack facility; repeat testing returned results within allowable limits and transport resumed. Staff said variability and localized hot spots can cause transient exceedances.
Town wastewater staff told the Select Board that a late-May laboratory analysis showed elevated semi-volatile organic compound (SVOC) levels in sludge, specifically methyl phenol compounds, which exceeded both Class A and Class B regulatory limits and temporarily halted shipments to the Merrimack facility.
Jeff Chartier, Water and Sewer Department superintendent, said the laboratory reported concentrations of 640 milligrams per kilogram in a sample, compared with the Class A limit of 130 mg/kg and Class B limit of 410 mg/kg. As a result, the sludge could not be transported until follow-up testing was completed. Subsequent laboratory testing returned results within acceptable limits and normal operations resumed.
Chartier explained that fluctuations in influent characteristics and localized "hot spots" within sludge can lead to variable results. He said such occurrences are not uncommon in wastewater operations and that the facility is operating under normal conditions following the retest.
No regulatory enforcement action or further restrictions were reported at the meeting; Board members were informed that staff would continue routine monitoring and testing.
