Bristol officials report DES recommendations, emergency repairs and budget impacts for water and sewer

Jeff, a town public‑works representative, briefed the Select Board on recent water and sewer operations. He said the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services visited and recommended a trailer‑mounted carbon filter to treat water affected by an oil‑related issue in an oxidation ditch; Jeff said he is obtaining pricing and will ask the contractor to cover costs where responsibility is clear.

Jeff described an emergency temporary bypass of roughly 1,500 feet from Danforth Brook under Route 104 that allowed the highway shed, wastewater plant and transfer station to stay in service while crews executed a repair. He praised contractors and staff for a rapid repair that included an excavator with a twistable bucket and temporary bypass piping that can be reused.

Staff also reported a Hillside service‑line leak that crews repaired the day it was reported, and said several water‑main incidents and other unplanned repairs have driven maintenance and materials spending above budget so far this year while sewer budget lines remain underspent. Jeff said he will add longer‑term replacement options (directional drilling under Route 104) to the capital project list for future work.

Board members asked about DES recommendations, staffing and asset management; Jeff said the town has applied for an asset‑management grant and will continue recruiting and retaining licensed operators. He said more detailed cost estimates for the carbon filter and contractor responsibilities will be provided to the board once available.

The board scheduled an operations tour and will request follow‑up cost and schedule information for the recommended carbon filter and for proposed capital projects.