In order to protect the public health, safety of workers and meet new state mandates, the Water Pollution Control Authority is recommending a comprehensive upgrade to the town's regional water treatment facility.
The WPCA consultant, Wright-Pierce Engineering, studied the plant, its current usage and potential future needs and concluded the upgrade would be necessary.
According to the Wright-Pierce report, the upgrade would cost about $51.8 million and could be done either all at once or in a four-phase approach to space the town's debt out over time. The report recommends a one-time improvement because it cuts down on maintenance costs and allows for state grant funding.
Cost of delaying the project for a year could be $1.5 to 2 million in inflation.
The councl will hear a presentation on the issue toniht at 7 p.m. The public is welcome to attend.
