Farmington Water Pollution Control Meeting – December 11, 2024
Farmington’s Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA) covered a comprehensive agenda at its latest meeting. From record-breaking nitrogen removal to pump station improvements and proactive maintenance, here’s everything you need to know about the strides being made to keep Farmington’s water clean and efficient.
🎥 Watch the full meeting on YouTube here
🛠 Maintenance and Operations Highlights
- Flows and Nitrogen Removal:
November’s flow average was the lowest ever recorded at 2.5 MGD (million gallons daily). This low flow contributed to a remarkable 91% nitrogen removal rate, the highest in the facility’s history. At just 86 pounds under permit, this is a milestone achievement in Farmington’s environmental management. - Pump Station Upgrades:
- Yukon Pump Station: Preliminary upgrades are in motion, focusing on Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) to enhance efficiency.
- Carlin Road: Major roof repairs were completed, and future plans include planting arborvitae to replace removed trees. Fun fact: The old roof housed six-foot snake skins and mouse nests—proof the upgrade was overdue!
- Naples Plaza: Pre-holiday grease jetting at this high-traffic area ensured smooth sewer flow. This is part of the team’s annual preventive measures to keep grease from causing blockages.
🌟 Key Plant Improvements
- DIY Cost Savings:
The maintenance team tackled in-house repairs that saved thousands. For instance, replacing six Dissolved Oxygen probe caps in under an hour cost $3,000—a significant reduction from the $7,800 quoted by contractors. - Chemical Tanks Cleaned:
Two 2,500-gallon tanks, left mostly unused due to reduced chemical dependency, were emptied and cleaned. This ensures readiness for future use while reflecting improvements in treatment efficiency. - Blower Reset Success:
Blower 3, which had faulted on low pressure, was quickly reset and resumed normal operations. Maintenance teams credit this to improved diagnostic and repair workflows.
💡 Fun and Fascinating Details
- Snake Skins and Grease Battles:
Carlin Road’s roof renovations unearthed hidden treasures like six-foot snake skins, proving that even infrastructure maintenance has its surprises. Meanwhile, Naples Plaza’s grease issues remain under control thanks to vigilant jetting and monitoring. - Smart Resource Allocation:
Proactive measures, such as clearing grease before holiday rushes and ensuring spare parts availability, showcase the team’s focus on operational readiness and cost efficiency.
📍 Community Benefits
The WPCA’s efforts directly impact Farmington’s quality of life by maintaining clean water, minimizing odor issues, and preparing for future demands. The proactive maintenance strategy ensures reliable systems and long-term cost savings.
🎥 Don’t miss the full meeting discussion: Watch it here on YouTube
Thank You to Our Sponsor!
This coverage is brought to you by Farmington Storage, located at 155 Scott Swamp Road. Farmington Storage offers safe and reliable storage solutions to meet your needs. Contact them at 860.777.4001 for more information.
About the Author
Jack Beckett lives on coffee, local news, and the eternal optimism that one day Farmington’s splash pad will be the town’s crowning achievement. ☕✨
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