Pollution Control Board Meets

Above, even while taking care of the public's `business,' the Charles River Pollution Control District folks manage to keep a sense of humor. The above lobby display includes a plush version of a certain unmentionable emoji as well as various microorganisms such as an amoeba and a 'water bear.'

The board of the Charles River Pollution Control District, the regional sewage treatment plant which handle Franklins’ sewage outflow met Wednesday afternoon at the facility in Medway. The first hour, closed to the public, was reserved for an annual review of the executive director, Elizabeth Taglieri.

The regular meeting began at 3 pm. Taglieri reported on several matters, including:

• Completion of testing on a new water treatment chemical that seems likely to save the district as much as $25,000 per years.
• Possible approaches in soliciting bids for chemicals that would ensure supply but do so a minimum cost, is possible for two years. Board members brainstormed potential strategies for Taglieri to consider.
• Reviewed O&M assessments for each town, Franklin as usually being the largest.
• Rising payroll costs were discussed.
• A review of recent credit card spending brought a request from a Franklin representative, Wolfgang Bauer, to look into getting a credit card that provides points or cash back, which could meaningfully contribute to cost containment. Taglieri agreed to look into this.
• The board also approved a routine warrant, 23-03.
• Taglieri reported on work by engineer Kristin Mucciarone, to update and improve a document created with the EPA in 1994 that no longer accurately reflects current practice or technology.
• The district was slightly out of compliance with EPA guidance for discharge volumes, largely due to excessive rain.
• Taglieri also reported on a small number of recent sewer connections in Bellingham, Franklin, and Millis.
• Taglieri reported that an employee who had been on and off Workers Comp for a very long period was terminated due to the need to fully fill the position. Bauer expressed concern regarding any further financial exposure the district might had. Taglieri agreed to review that with counsel, the insurer, and other sources.

Taglieri said she and Mucciarone had updated a CDM study, using identical methodologies, to project future flows and provide visibility into likely rates. The Board expressed appreciation and noted that their initiative had likely saved the district in the range of $50,000, which is what a consultant would have charged for similar work.