WPCA plant reports steady operations, notes new DEEP PFAS permit and a minor vehicle accident

Plant Superintendent Ted Donoghue told the WPCA on July 9 that plant operations are stable, with the sludge volume index down to about 100 ml/l and May septage receiving totaling roughly 80,000 gallons (about 5,000–6,000 gallons per day), consistent with prior recommendations.

Donoghue said Connecticut's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has issued a new general permit addressing PFAS discharges for significant and non-significant industrial users. He noted the plant currently has one permitted significant industrial user, Arethusa Dairy, and said the plant could potentially be designated a PFAS “generator” under the new framework; he said he will follow up with a local business referenced as Litchfield Distillery about its discharge.

Donoghue also reported a minor vehicle accident involving a town vehicle; the driver-side mirror contacted another vehicle and damage was limited. The employee underwent post-accident drug screening per town policy and the matter has been referred to the town's accident-review process.

No action was taken at the meeting on permitting or enforcement; Donoghue was assigned to pursue follow-up with the local business and to monitor any permit implications for the plant.