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