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Sludge test briefly halted Merrimack deliveries after SVOC result; retest allowed hauling to resume
Summary
A composite sludge test returned elevated SVOC levels that temporarily prevented deliveries to the Merrimack handling facility; town staff retested and resumed hauling after confirming acceptable results.
Town operations staff told the Select Board on June 11 that a late-May composite sample of sludge returned elevated levels of semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs), specifically 3- and 4-methylphenol, which exceeded the receiving facility's acceptance limits and temporarily stopped sludge deliveries to Merrimack.
Operations staff reported the initial composite came back at about 640 milligrams per kilogram for the measured parameter while class limits cited in the discussion were 130 mg/kg for one classification and 410 mg/kg for another. Staff said they retested and the follow-up sample returned values that allowed the town to resume scheduled deliveries.
Why it matters: elevated SVOC readings can restrict disposal options and require retesting, holding sludge at the plant and potentially affecting operations and hauling schedules. Staff described the result as a possible "hot spot" in a composite sample and said it is not uncommon to see transient high readings that resolve on retest.
Next steps: staff said they held back pressing sludge deliveries pending confirmation and will continue routine monitoring to prevent recurrence. The board received the update as an information item; no board action was required at the meeting.
Ending: Staff resumed Merrimack deliveries after a successful retest and said they will continue routine composite sampling and follow Merrimack's acceptance rules.
