WPCA updates: lab test equipment failure resolved, pump-station and force-main work advancing

FAIRFIELD — At the Jan. 21 Water Pollution Control Authority meeting staff reported operational disruptions and a series of ongoing capital projects.

Shelby, the WPCA lab manager, described a backup membrane and wireless probe failure used in an EOD test; staff performed alternate testing, notified the state and obtained confirmation from the state that the substitute procedure was acceptable. Separately, crews found broken metal pieces under water level at the bar screen and scheduled repairs; bypass pumping and operations continued without permit violations.

Capital-program updates included receipt of draft 60% design drawings for the Fairfield Beach pump station and a Phase 1 kickoff with AECOM and Nickerson Joint Venture to scope HVAC/MEP assessments. The Mill River force-main investigation will be executed by National Water Main Cleaning Company, with GPR work planned in February. Staff reported Phase 5 I&I work continuing and GIS/asset efforts with MetroCOG to improve data for future capital and funding requests.

Grant and budget notes: Fairfield was not prioritized in the latest Clean Water Fund round but staff submitted an application to the state’s climate resiliency fund seeking $200,000–$650,000 to advance design for the Center Street pump station/force-main. Staff said budget impacts are minimal to the FY27 plan because assumptions conservatively excluded that state funding.

What’s next: Staff will continue the investigations and return to the commission with design and funding progress reports as milestones are reached.