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Sewer committee flags PCB cleanup and plans new methanol tank; reserves drawdown noted
Summary
The sewer committee reported major infrastructure investment over eight years, noted reserves fell from about 13 million to 7.1 million, flagged an unresolved PCB remediation cost and said a stainless‑steel methanol tank (estimated roughly $125,000) is planned to replace a corroded unit.
Southington — During the July 13 special meeting, the sewer committee briefed the council on capital investments at the town’s wastewater facilities and flagged two outstanding issues: remediation of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) discovered at the plant and replacement of a corroded methanol tank.
The committee said over the past eight years the town invested heavily in proactive maintenance and infrastructure — including work tied to the new “super plant” — and that those investments reduced reserves from about 13,000,000 to roughly 7,100,000. Committee members warned continued investment at the same pace is unsustainable without additional funding or a slowdown in projects.
On PCBs, the committee said the discovery requires further work and that the total remediation cost is not yet known; they said the town is working with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and that some costs may be recoverable from General Electric, but details remain unresolved.
The committee also described plans to install a stainless‑steel methanol tank to replace a unit damaged by the caustic solvent; the replacement was estimated to be about $125,000. Methanol is used in treatment to reduce nitrates before effluent is discharged to the river, the committee said.
No formal vote was taken; committee members said the town will balance remaining infrastructure priorities with available reserves and report back with further cost details as they become available.
