St.J Waste and Water Plant due for Upgrade

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Created on Tuesday, 29 April 2014 14:57

Written by Jessie Slater

ST.JOHNSBURY- St.Johnsbury’s water and waste sewage treatment plants are overdue for repairs. The plants were built in 1990 and each facility had a life expectancy for 20 years.

The two screw pumps at the Waste Water Treatment Plant are in need of replacement. These pumps are the main sources for taking in waste water from the town.

Last night, Dufresne Group Consulting engineers told the select board that the pumps were due for a change about three years ago. The project to replace the pumps would cost just over one-million dollars, which could potentially raise water and sewer taxes.

Vice President of Dufresne Group, Naomi Johnson, says “the pumps are high priority.” She hopes to see the project proceed in within the next six months. Officials are saying it is important to review the entire water and sewer system because most town officials are unfamiliar with it.

Municipal Administrator, Dan Hill, says that in addition to the new pumps, the plants need to receive upgrades that included the installation of a new generator, new equipment, and a new bio-filter. Hill is assuring that with these changes tax rates will go up some, but not a huge amount.

The St.Johnsbury select board has asked Dufresne Group to submit more details about the project before moving forward with authorization.