JAY – Wastewater officials are thinking ahead.

With the North Jay Treatment Plant’s state license for wastewater discharge into Sevenmile Stream expiring Dec. 8, 2005, and the state tightening up pollution loads on small streams and rivers in the state, officials have to plan.

Jay Sewer Superintendent Mark Holt said he expects the state to decrease the amount of discharge the plant would be allowed in its next license.

He has figured out a way that the plant could meet regulations and limit costs, proposing that voters buy about 30 acres – with two-thirds of it fields – adjacent to the sewage treatment plant on Jerry Street. Polls are open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Community Building for voters to make this decision.

Holt’s plan is to spray disinfected, treated wastewater on the fields during certain times of the year, when the stream’s water level is low.

There would be no long-term effects, he said.

There are setbacks to protect neighbors, with the closest home being about 300 yards away.

A sales and purchase agreement has been signed, pending the town meeting vote.

The wastewater being sprayed would look like tap water, Holt said.

The property price is $10,000. The money is already in the Sewer Department reserve account, and the price to retrofit the wastewater system would be about another $10,000, which is also in the reserve budget.

This proposal, Holt said, would cost less than other options.

A sand-filter system to remove phosphorus is estimated at about $150,000, not including maintenance, he said.

Chemical treatment with necessary equipment would cost about $75,000, plus operating and maintenance, said Holt.
dperry@sunjournal.com

Copy the Story Link