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DPW flags sharp rise in treatment and biosolids costs
Summary
The DPW told the board that changing DEP rules could eliminate vendors that accept biosolids, potentially costing the town about $100,000 per month to dispose of biosolids starting this October, and that an aeration upgrade estimate has risen from roughly $2M to about $6M.
Tim Barber of the DPW told the board that changes in DEP regulation and vendor markets are reducing outlets for biosolids disposal. He said the town has long generated a compost product from biosolids and brush that produced revenue, but that pending regulation may make land-application less feasible.
Barber said the town is planning for a scenario where biosolids disposal becomes a recurring cost and estimated disposal could cost about $100,000 per month beginning this October. He also warned that a fully designed aeration upgrade that was estimated pre‑COVID at about $2,000,000 now has an estimated cost closer to $6,000,000. Barber said the town intends to pursue state revolving fund financing and grants to reduce the local capital burden.
Board members pressed for details on timing and options for mitigating operating and capital cost increases; Barber said grant applications are pending and the CWMP will give a clearer capital plan.
