Village of Red Hook Sewer Department Monthly Report April 2025
In April, the new operators created an action list to address repairs, trace complaints to root causes, and began weekly instead of monthly testing. They uncovered multiple design and — “ ” operational issues many components were broken or had never functioned. As a pocket plant, everything was supposed to be included, but there was no treatment on Day 1, so chlorine was used for disinfection. Dechlorinating tabs arrived mid-month and are now in use.
EQ tank pumps were running at full capacity, possibly overloading the plant and washing out the — — microbial community. There was no flow control just zero or maximum prompting a recommendation for a larger EQ tank and smaller pumps. The current tank only works if everything functions perfectly, leaving no room for error.
Aeration was insufficient, so more blowers were added. In the clarifier, sludge wasn ’ t returning properly, causing buildup and blowouts. With added pumps, sludge movement improved, clarifying the water, though return pipes still clog. MLSS held steady at 1,000 mg/L — sufficient for microbial growth.
The weirs weren ’ t level due to a tilted tank, causing uneven flow. Delaware adjusted them to a 60/40 balance, better than before, but true 50/50 won't be possible until the tank is leveled. Uneven flow has been overloading the sand filters. Their auto controls weren ’ t working, and manual use trips breakers. Sand filters need replacement about every two years.
UV filters were scheduled for replacement under a new contract. Sand filters will be addressed once the old plant is back online. Major repairs are planned for the week of May 12. Although the microbial community began to recover in April, the plant still didn ’ t meet ammonia limits and seems to be receiving more pollutants than it was designed to handle.
Pumps were removed from automatic mode to prevent washing out microbes and are now operated manually. A SCADA system would be needed to automate them safely.
I raised the possibility of a sewer-use area moratorium due to community concerns and the plant ’ s current instability, even though it ’ s under capacity. No specific criteria for triggering a moratorium were provided, only that it would be a last-resort measure.
The mayor and Robert Flores (Delaware sewer operator) hosted a second community info session, with a third scheduled for Thursday, June 5.
The Sewer team meets every other Friday. If you have concerns, comments, etc. related to the WWTP or the Sewer Use Area please do not hesitate to reach out.
Village of Red Hook Speed Limit Initiative Monthly Report April 2025
The engineer is reaching out to colleague for best advice in how to move forward
Village of Red Hook Town of Red Hook Greenway and Trails Committee Monthly Report April 2025
The April meeting covered proposed the Winnakee Land Trust Ribbon Cutting day for the expanded Saw Kill trail which was moved to June 7[th] (national trails day) from April 26[th] which was Rails to Trails Conservancy Trails Day due to DEC scheduling conflicts. It also covered how the committee will be involved in the Tour De Red Hook which happened May 4[th] . The ’ – committee agreed that they d provide swag free stickers, safety information, trail information and use it as an opportunity to promote all the trails and even though this ride was using the Cookingham Farm trails specifically. They agreed to order kid and adult reflective vests, reflective stickers with the trails logo and trail maps all of which would be free to those in the community who participated.
The committee is actively working on promoting the trails as off-road and safer options for traveling between schools and neighborhoods and working through educational material to send out regarding the “ rules of the roads/trails ” such as road safety, looking both ways, walking against traffic, riding with traffic, etc.
Village of Red Hook Climate Smart Communities Monthly Report April 2025
April ’ s meeting was devoted to collecting suggestions of pledge elements from the CSC Program to start to prioritize them for Board Approval. However, the taskforce must be formally created with authority. There were many Action items from each Pledge Element that would be helpful.
The Tour de Red Hook Bike ride was discussed in relation to PE 6 (climate smart land use). It offers a great opportunity to gather more data on street and trail usage and requests directly from our residents. The Repair Café was a well-attended event that ’ happens quarterly with the Town s CAC at The Red Hook Community Center – the CSC participated via engagement with residents about the upcoming compost program. We ’ even had a few people sign up for it – however, I think they re town residents. But it is always great to engage with chat with the members of our community. The website page has been created and designed and waiting for final uploading to our site and Sign Painter Colin Packard has created a few renderings of the big sign for the shed which would also include the Village Logo as well as acknowledge the County for their financial sponsorship. I also want to thank Polina Malikin for her work on the program ’ s logo.