Groton Water Pollution Control Authority - 11/10/26

The Groton Water Pollution Control Authority meeting on November 10, 2026, covered a state environmental violation notice, facility operations, capital work, and proposed updates to sewer rates and regulations. Staff said the notice cited effluent exceedances, maintenance concerns involving the primary clarifier, and corrected reporting figures. The Authority must submit an initial statement of compliance and provide a progress report within 120 days; an outside certified consultant is expected to review records and conduct site visits. The primary clarifier reconstruction remains underway, with materials delayed. Staff also reported that Kofax Construction is performing the reconstruction, AI Engineers’ site plans for the Mer Cove project are complete, and the Urges Power Pump Station plans are under review. A UV disinfection system to replace chlorine treatment is in the planning stage with Fuss & O’Neill. No contract awards or procurement votes were reported.

Staff described plans to compare past budgets and expenditures and obtain a regional rate study to inform possible changes to monthly user rates and the introduction of connection fees; any changes would include public engagement and a hearing. The Authority also discussed a proposed wholesale revision of the town’s sewer ordinance, potentially replacing it with WPCA regulations, but no action was taken. Members voted to accept the October 13 minutes, with one abstention, and later voted to adjourn.