Village of Red Hook Sewer Department Monthly Report March 2025
In March, there were some strides and setbacks with the operating of the plant. The Village pressed the operator to send copies of all Notices of Violations, where necessary. Remembering lab results are a month behind, a NOV was confirmed to be sent for the month of February - which happened before a calculated dump of mixed liquor was added to help engage the bugs. There were still mechanical issues in relation to the UV lights and so Chlorine treatment, a standard treatment process, was authorized to continue to be used in the tanks. Working through the to-do list - the crew was able to get the necessary tanks emptied and begin to start work on the list of necessary repairs that came out of the audit - as well as connect the EQ tank to the Odor Control system (which needed the ground to thaw). At the alternating meeting we discussed not moving forward with the RFP process and to shift into a new direction for the operation and maintenance of the WWTP.
We continued to meet with our representative from the New York Rural Water Association who has experience with sewer code and functionality of WWTPs in general.
In the month of March, the contract with C3ND, as our operator for both water and sewer, was terminated and as of March 31, 2025 the Village engaged Delaware Engineering, fully accredited/certified to operate WWTPs, as our operator. These actions were solidified at the Board ’ s workshop at the end of March. As Delaware is familiar with the plant and with aiding and addressing malfunctioning plants - their goal is to break it down to brass tacks and start from scratch in learning what this particular system needs and how to get it up to snuff. Delaware worked on a plan to attack the plant with more testing (influent) to see if we are bringing something into the plant that is causing the uneven/unhealthy bug environment. Additionally, they were poised to go in on day 1 and do a full assessment of the plant itself. It is a priority to make sure we have a fully functional and operating WWTP. I also acknowledge that residents are duly concerned about the operations of the plant. It will take time, but I am trusting in the new team to whip the plant into shape so that after we can then move forward.
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.