Springfield staff warn of 7–8% water and wastewater cost increases; PFAS advisory levels noted

At a June 22 public hearing, Town Manager Scott Pickup and municipal utility staff outlined near-term budget pressures for Springfield’s water and wastewater systems and described planned reviews and upgrades.

Pickup said overall operating costs for water and wastewater are projected to rise roughly 7–8%, citing inflationary pressures on chemicals and fuel and required investments in cybersecurity and SCADA controls after an audit that identified vulnerabilities at both plants. He said staff are pursuing state and federal grant support, the town recently raised septic hauler fees to better align revenues with costs, and bond-funded multi-year infrastructure upgrades are underway with substantial state subsidies helping construction.

Wastewater Superintendent Nate told the Selectboard that most major treatment assets are between about 20 and 40 years old. A 20-year engineering review of the wastewater facility is underway in coordination with the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation; staff expect a report in the fall and are evaluating process changes to lower high biosolids disposal costs.

Water Superintendent Roy reported the water system remains in compliance but that PFAS are present at advisory levels; he warned that future regulatory tightening could require additional treatment investments. Staff also confirmed the town is operating under existing permits while renewals are processed and said no formal cost-benefit analysis has yet been conducted comparing a hypothetical in‑town gravel source with current out‑of‑town purchasing.

No budget votes or formal decisions were recorded at the hearing; staff indicated further technical analysis and grant-seeking will continue before any rate or capital decisions are finalized.