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Wastewater dryer and GBT return reduce hauling needs; plant still has capital needs
Summary
Town wastewater staff reported the sludge dryer and gravity-belt thickener are operating, lowering hauled sludge from 4–6 to roughly 2–4 containers weekly and saving hauling costs; staff flagged aging primary screens and a seized macerator motor that may require capital spending.
Roger, speaking for the wastewater plant, told the committee that the sludge dryer has been running consistently and that the gravity-belt thickener (GBT) return to operation has significantly reduced the volume of hauled sludge. "Since we've been running that, I've noticed a significant decrease in the amount of sludge we're producing," he said. Where the town previously shipped 4–6 large containers per week, Roger said the facility is now averaging about 2 dumpsters per week, reducing hauling costs (staff estimated roughly $1,500 per container though exact costs vary by weight).
The plant continues repairs on digester boilers (awaiting parts) and removed a branded grinder unit to rely on an auger that is now taking larger rags, which staff said should reduce pump maintenance. Staff described two older primary screens that have temporary repairs and said a capital replacement would likely require 6–9 months fabrication lead time; staff will plan for that in upcoming capital requests and included a tentative resolution on macerator motor pricing if it exceeds purchasing thresholds.
Committee members discussed budget implications and the long-term plan to include capital requests in upcoming fund-balance/debt planning.
