Attention Sewer Users of the Town of Clarksburg
There has been some concern over the Fiscal Year 2024 Sewer User Rates here in Clarksburg. Understanding that our last sewer agreement with the City of North Adams, drafted and signed in 2005, had expired. Over the last winter months, the City of North Adams and the Town of Clarksburg entered into an updated sewer user agreement for a period of 10 years. There are several components relative to the cost of operating the Hoosac Water Quality District, which is the treatment plant that serves Williamstown, North Adams and Clarksburg. The increase have been capped at no more than 10% annually for ten years.
The new agreement does provide for increased costs, recognizing, like everything else, the costs of both personnel and materials have increased. Additionally, as the HWQD plant ages, it too will need repairs and upgrades, many of which are mandated by the EPA and the Massachusetts DEP. Compounding HWQD operational cost issues, the sludge which has historically been a revenue generator for the facility, due to the potential presence of PFAs (forever chemicals), that sludge no longer can be sold, and now must be disposed of, thus increasing costs.
Additionally, the DPC Study of Clarksburg Sewer System states that 60% of our sewer is in good condition. But that means 40% is not in good condition. The Town has an active Administrative Consent Order (ACO) to reduce Inflow and Infiltration (I/I). The DPC Study indicates some 21 manholes need rebuilding (anywhere from $9-20,000ea), older sewer lines will need to be replaced. So there will be engineering expenses and then of course repair/construction expenses anticipated over the next several years. The Selectboard is engaging (free of charge) a Consultant from RCAP Solutions to assist in grant writing and project development so as to limit the cost exposure to the users of the Clarksburg Sewer System.