Au Sable Forks wastewater treatment plant updates almost done

AU SABLE FORKS | The towns of Black Brook and Jay are wrapping up Phase 1 of the joint wastewater treatment plant upgrades; last week, both municipalities went out for an RFQ to kickstart Phase 2. "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 in a previous interview. "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, which back then was estimated to cost $1.5 million for the first phase and $4 million for the second. "We're hoping that those prices will sort of stay the same, but we also realize that was about five years ago when the initial engineering report was done," said Town of Jay Supervisor Matt Stanley. "So, we'll have to see when we get back RFQs if the initial engineering report amount will change." Phase 1 consisted of adding two buildings for chemical feeding, which helps ensure optimal treatment and disinfect waste, and UV disinfection, which utilizes ultraviolet light to eliminate harmful microorganisms. It should be fully completed by this May. Phase 2 includes cleaning the lagoon and replacing the plant's liners, which 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 in a previous interview. "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." Once the engineering is complete, the towns can start submitting grant applications. The DEC awarded a $1 million grant toward the first phase of the joint project. The remaining funds were covered by a loan split between the two towns — 60% for the Town of Jay and 40% for the Town of Black Brook. "We're not going to really tackle this phase of the project until we get more grant funding because we don't feel that either sewer district can afford a multi-million dollar project on its own without additional funding," Stanley said. "Once we put the actual project out to bid, and once we win grants, then we'll have a good idea of what the timeline will look like." For more information or updates, visit townofjayny.com or blackbrookny.gov.

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Au Sable Forks wastewater treatment plant updates almost done

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