By Joan F.? Simoneau, Community Reporter
Marlborough – A non-compliance notice from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) prompted Mayor Arthur Vigeant to ask the City Council to approve a $6 million bond request to upgrade the Millham Water Treatment Plant. In making a plea to councilors at the April 28 meeting, Vigeant stressed the urgency.
“It appears these necessary upgrades were foreseen some time ago and have somehow languished over the past few years when a request should been previously submitted to the council long ago,” he said.
Department of Public Works Commissioner John Ghiloni was apprised of the situation through a detailed Notice of Noncompliance sent by the MassDEP. Improvements include upgrading the filtering process, installing a new ultraviolet disinfection system, changing and upgrading the treatment chemicals, upgrading the filters, and finishing water pumps and plant security.
The deadline for submitting the Administrative Consent Order (ACO), providing confirmation to MassDEP that appropriate funds for the capital improvements are available, is Monday, June 30. The plan for upgrading the treatment plant is due July 1. A further stipulation is that the project should begin by October and be completed by the end of September 2015. The request will be reviewed in the Council Finance Committee and presented for full council approval.