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Hinsdale hears state-funded wastewater asset-management plan and loan options
Summary
State and consultant presenters reviewed an asset-management plan for Hinsdale’s wastewater system, discussed maintenance priorities and inflow/infiltration, and outlined funding options including Clean Water State Revolving Fund loans (pre-applications due typically June 1) with roughly 10–15% principal forgiveness.
Consultants and a state grant manager presented a completed wastewater asset-management project to the Hinsdale meeting and outlined next steps for repairs, budgeting and potential funding.
Sarah Grigard, who identified herself as “a sustainability engineer with the wastewater engineering bureau,” said the state’s grant supported the town’s asset-management work and that the program’s goal is to help communities “plan for more sustainable investments in your infrastructure.” Grigard walked the board through level-of-service goals — reliability, environmental protection, affordability and response times — and stressed the value of regular maintenance to extend asset life.
Consultants described recurring operational problems: inflow and infiltration in the collection system, aging pump stations with nonstandard gearboxes, and repeated blockages caused by wipes. “Flushable wipes are not flushable,” a presenter said, urging continued customer education to reduce debris and emergency costs.
The presenters reported the most recent inspection recommended repairs totaling more than $40,000 while the current line item in the town budget was $25,000. A consultant said the larger capital figure for major sewer expansion could be in the “$20 to $25 million” range and noted that state funding programs are unlikely to cover the full cost of such an extension.
Grigard explained funding pathways: pre-applications to the Clean Water State Revolving Fund are typically due June 1; projects awarded loans could receive roughly 10–15% principal forgiveness with the remainder financed at low interest. She recommended the town position itself now — by completing asset-management and feasibility steps and by securing authority to borrow — to be competitive for the next funding cycle.
There was no vote at the meeting; presenters offered tours of the plant and follow-up advice on sequencing feasibility work, permitting (discharge permits issued by EPA), and timing for pre-applications and borrowing authority.
