Farmington’s Water Pollution Meeting: Waste, Bugs, and the Great Chicken Manure Incident 🐔
It’s not every day that a municipal water pollution control meeting leaves attendees discussing chicken manure, but Farmington, Connecticut, is no ordinary town. At the May 14 meeting of the Water Pollution Control Authority, held with characteristic local flair (watch here), the board dove deep into wastewater management and ended on a note that attendees—and anyone within sniffing distance—will not soon forget.
The session opened by correcting an amusing date mishap, quickly pivoting into detailed data about Farmington’s wastewater treatment plant. The facility, averaging 3.8 million gallons daily with peaks at 4.2 million, tackled biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) removal rates at an impressive 97.6%, and suspended solids at 98.7%. These figures comfortably exceed state standards, highlighting Farmington’s efficient wastewater management.
Superintendent Mark detailed complex processes—like converting ammonia to nitrogen gas and managing phosphorus levels—to ensure aquatic health. Biosolids, humorously dubbed “cake,” amounted to 118,683 pounds, neatly shipped off to Hartford for incineration. The plant also recorded notably low levels of E. coli.
Attendees learned of the intricacies surrounding nitrogen credit trading, an incentive-based state program aimed at maintaining environmental balance across Connecticut, particularly in relation to Long Island Sound. Plants like Farmington’s, consistently meeting stringent criteria, benefit financially from this eco-friendly scheme, underscoring the importance of diligent management.
The narrative took an odorous turn when discussion shifted to pump station issues and general sewer maintenance around town. Highlights included significant maintenance at stations like Batterson Park and Oakland, along with routine sewer jetting—a high-pressure cleaning likened candidly to plaque removal from arteries.
However, nothing captivated attention quite like the April 29 incident. Residents inundated officials with complaints of an overpowering odor initially blamed on the wastewater plant. After some frantic detective work, it emerged the real culprit was chicken manure spread on nearby fields. “We were profiled,” joked attendees, who endured hours of complaint management and even police involvement. Farmington residents, evidently, don’t take their nasal invasions lightly.
The meeting closed on a lighter note, humorously contemplating why chicken manure was so desirable for agriculture, despite its pungent notoriety. Clearly, Farmington’s wastewater management isn’t just efficient—it’s full of character.
A hearty thanks to our sponsor, Farmington Storage, located at 155 Scott Swamp Road. Call 860.777.4001 to reserve your spot—the only storage facility in Connecticut boasting “museum air” quality. Ideal for stashing valuables or escaping rogue chicken manure aromas.
☕ Jack Beckett
Senior writer fueled by dark roast and despair over late-night council meetings. Always caffeinated, never duplicated.
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