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Charlton commissioners press Veolia on staffing, lab data access and SCADA costs; approve diesel day‑tank purchase
Summary
Commissioners heard an operations update from Veolia’s interim project manager, pressed for access to raw lab data the contract says belongs to the town, questioned on‑site staffing shortfalls and recurring SCADA password costs, and voted to buy a double‑walled 210‑gallon diesel tank for the North Main pump station.
The Charlton Water and Sewer Commission spent part of its meeting on contractor performance and operational matters, pressing Veolia representatives for access to raw lab data, raising questions about on‑site staffing levels under the town’s contract, and approving a procurement for a diesel day tank at the North Main pump station.
Shane Moody, who introduced himself as Veolia’s interim project manager on the Cheltenham/Sturbridge work, said he will manage the Charlton contract moving forward and that Veolia is making process improvements at pump stations and pursuing generator upgrades. “Coming into the project and seeing the condition it's in is embarrassing, to be quite honest, and that's not the way Veolia conducts business,” Moody said, and invited commissioners to observe a nearby Sturbridge project as an example.
Commissioners raised three operational concerns. First, they said Veolia has not consistently met the contract expectation of three on‑site staff and asked for an attendance log or schedule to verify coverage. Second, Vinny reported a recurring $700 expense tied to SCADA password resets and noted specialized SCADA contractors can charge high rates; commissioners asked staff to monitor the issue and seek documentation. Third, Vinny and others said Veolia has not provided raw laboratory data that the contract (section 1.09) defines as town property; staff will send a formal request to Veolia’s on‑site project manager (Zach) and escalate if the data are not available before the next meeting.
Separately, commissioners reviewed vendor quotes for a pump‑station day tank. Charlton Oil provided a quote of about $4,650 for a double‑walled 210‑gallon exterior tank; other quotes included higher prices for a smaller internal tank. Commissioners voted to accept the Charlton Oil quote and authorized procurement of the exterior 210‑gallon double‑walled tank to hold diesel fuel for generator operations.
Commissioners asked staff to follow up on staffing records, lab data requests, and whether Veolia's current staffing level merits a contract remedy or price adjustment when the town reviews bids in the future.
