Jennifer Cavanaugh
From: Leslie Coon les.coon@h2oinnovation.com on behalf of Leslie Coon Sent: Sunday, September 7, 2025 7:46 PM To: Jennifer Cavanaugh Cc: highway@redhookvillage.gov; Roy Rysinger; Keith Herbert; Mayor Smythe Subject: Overview of Operations for the Board.
Village of Red Hook Town Board,
Since assuming the role of lead operators at the beginning of August, we have not made any significant changes to process control. Our initial goal has been to observe how the plants operate and to better understand the dynamics of each facility.
Water Plant
At the water plant, we implemented a more representative sampling method by collecting from a potable water source. During our review, we also discovered that the distribution flow was not being fully monitored. Working with the Village team, we determined that an open valve was diverting a significant portion of the flow away from the meter. In a joint effort, we closed Distribution Valve #2, which increased flow through the meter from approximately 84 GPM to 164 GPM. This improvement will allow us to accurately track usage across the village and better identify potential leaks before they surface.
Sewer Plant
At the sewer plant, we have made a few targeted adjustments that have increased our ability to process water and manage surge flows in Plant 1B. With the support of the Village team, we installed a pump that allows us to control forward flow at a set rate. Currently operating at ~6 GPM, this adjustment has increased available equalization (EQ) capacity and improved our ability to manage biomass and achieve a healthier food-to-mass ratio. We expect continued improvements in this area over the next one to two months.
We are also pleased to report that the 1B filter functions properly in automatic mode. However, given the current sensitivity of the biology, we are choosing to maintain manual operation for now to avoid unintentional disruptions.
Requests and Equipment Needs
Several quotes and requests have been submitted that will improve plant control and operational efficiency. I ask that these items be considered a high priority for approval. At present, we are sending some tests off-site and temporarily borrowing consumable items from another location with the understanding that the Village will replace them once approved.
Additional Improvements
The Village team also installed an additional surge tank to prevent overflows during peak usage and wet weather inflow/infiltration (I&I). Recent testing has shown this to be an effective temporary solution. Combined with the new EQ pumps in System 1A, this has helped stabilize operations and avoid potential emergency conditions.
Next Steps
With approval of the requested equipment, we plan to move forward with a mass control program using Mean Cell Residence Time (MCRT). Implementing this will be an important step in maintaining long-term process stability and efficiency.
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If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me directly or through the Mayor.
Respectfully,
Leslie A Coon Jr.
Sr. Area Manager
T: 845-888-5755 | M: 845-544-3151
E: les.coon@h2oinnovation.com - 4 Commerce Street, suite A 2, PO Box 3148, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603, United States a www.h2oinnovation.com — SF in®O@©
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