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Plant operator warns Fair Haven needs transfer switch, generator to avoid violations
Summary
Plant staff told the board that the wastewater plant lacks a transfer switch and that a properly sized generator could be costly; staff warned losing power to key components (the 'black' and clarifier) could trigger regulatory violations.
Gary told the board that the wastewater plant currently lacks a transfer switch and that the town faces two main options: re‑panel the plant electrical distribution or install a correctly sized generator that can run the entire system. He gave a conservative cost for a transfer switch alone at about $30,000 and said the generator and transfer equipment together could reach into the tens of thousands.
“‘Right now, we don't even have a transfer switch. Transfer switch alone is $30,000,’” Gary said, adding that the way the plant was engineered puts all main power into a single main control and that a properly sized generator and transfer arrangement will be necessary if the town wants the plant to be fully self‑running in emergencies. He cautioned that without reliable power the plant could be at regulatory risk: “If we lose the black and the clarifier, we're in violation.”
Board members asked whether staging the work was possible; Gary said he preferred doing the job correctly — to size the generator to run everything — rather than piecemeal solutions that could leave vulnerabilities. The board directed staff to include the generator/transfer switch options and costs in the capital plan to be discussed at the next budget meeting.
