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Board approves $477,000 sewer absorption-bed rehabilitation plan amid DEC emergency order
Summary
Following a sewer alarm and backup, the Hillsdale board approved final plans—already reviewed by the DEC—for a $477,000 absorption-field rehabilitation and authorized expedited procurement and temporary bridge funding while grant reimbursements are sought.
The Hillsdale Town Board voted to approve final drawings and the plan submitted by CPL for rehabilitation of the town’s failing wastewater absorption beds after the DEC sign-off, endorsing expedited contracting under an emergency declaration.
Supervisor reported the preliminary estimate and contingency: "With the estimate of $477,000 for this project…we would be putting in for reimbursements," and explained the town will solicit quotes and proceed under emergency procurement rules rather than following standard bidding due to the DEC timeline. Members said DEC review has been positive and emphasized speed to complete work before ground freeze.
The board also authorized the temporary use of general-fund money as a de facto bridge loan to cover upfront costs while state and grant reimbursements arrive. The supervisor said reimbursements and anticipated fee collections should allow repaying a short-term deficit: "We have about $88,000 in the sewer fund and, accounting for reimbursements…we would end up with a debit around $33,000." The motion to authorize the plan and to permit short-term internal financing passed.
H2O Innovation staff and the operator described recent maintenance and improved test results since fabric replacement. One operator said the filter fabrics had been "extremely far gone" but that newer materials and regular cleaning have markedly improved clarity and performance, evidence that the rehabilitation plus better operations should reduce violations and odor complaints.
