Wastewater plant gets $1.09M federal grant for UV replacement; chemical treatment keeps town within permit for now

Town staff told members the wastewater treatment plant, which is roughly 20–28 years old, is slated for a UV-system replacement estimated at $4–5 million, and that the town has secured a federal grant of $1,092,000 to offset that cost.

"We just got a $1,092,000 grant from the federal government for that work," Speaker 2 said. He described the grant as covering about 25% of the anticipated UV-system replacement cost.

Plant operations and permits: Speaker 2 said the plant has been able to meet permit limits for phosphorus and zinc through chemical additives and operational adjustments, avoiding a major capital expansion he estimated at $9–13 million. "We're able to make permit with, by, chemical additives," Speaker 2 said, adding the town is going through the permit process and monitoring potential limit changes.

Other budget notes: staff warned of increases in sludge-hauling contracts (projected 20–25% increases) and said a consultant line of approximately $20,000 a year will be kept for ongoing zinc-and-phosphorus-reduction studies and to maintain options should permit limits change.

Next steps: staff said the town will proceed with design and seek bids; the grant reduces but does not eliminate the town’s exposure to substantial capital costs should permit requirements tighten. The town emphasized it will continue monitoring permit outcomes and maintain consultant support to refine low-cost operational options before deciding on larger capital work.