Upgrades to Au Sable Forks wastewater treatment plant almost done

AU SABLE FORKS | Phase 1 of the joint wastewater treatment plant upgrades between the towns of Black Brook and Jay is almost complete. The two buildings for chemical feeding, which help ensure optimal treatment and disinfect waste, and UV disinfection, which utilizes ultraviolet light to eliminate harmful microorganisms, are now complete, along with all the electrical work. All that's left is waiting for the UV banks to arrive. "The only thing that treated the waste before was bacteria, and it was not bacteria that we added; it's just natural bacteria that are in the water and waste," said Water/Wastewater Superintendent Paul Mintz about the plant that was built in the early 1990s. "When all of these wastewater plants [...] started being made, [...] there was little concern about pathogens, bacteria, viruses, those types of things. But as time has moved on, and the Adirondacks have become what they are, now there's a big push from the state to start disinfecting the water." After being issued an order to upgrade the plant by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), officials from both towns developed a plan of action and came up with this two-phase project that would cost a total of around $5.5 million — about $1.5 million for the first phase and $4 million for the second. The DEC awarded a $1 million grant toward the first phase of the joint project. The remaining funds are being covered through a loan, said Town of Jay Supervisor Matt Stanley. "One of the difficulties was how to fund this project because with being two communities, it's tough to get grants for both towns." "When the project is done, we're going to split the cost," he continued. "Our agreement is 60% for the Town of Jay and 40% for the Town of Black Brook." Once phase 1 is completed, both towns will move on to phase 2 of the project, which includes replacing the plant's liners. These liners are essential for containing and managing wastewater in various applications, preventing environmental contamination, and ensuring regulatory compliance. "They're still working; they're still serviceable, but they are just past their serviceable life," said Mintz about the liners that are a little over 30 years old. "Our liners have had some holes, and we've patched them, but it's been happening at least a few times a year." Tears in liners allow wastewater, including hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and other harmful substances, to seep into the surrounding soil and groundwater, potentially contaminating drinking water sources and harming wildlife. "The liners need to be replaced," Stanley stressed. "But a preventative plan needs to be done, more engineering needs to be done. Details also need to be mapped out." For more information or updates, visit townofjayny.com.

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Upgrades to Au Sable Forks wastewater treatment plant almost done

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