The most notable discussion of the meeting was the introduction of the Biocleaner sludge reduction program. This innovative approach involves the use of probiotics contained in hanging baskets within thickened waste tanks to consume sludge, promising up to an 80% reduction. The commission expressed excitement about being the first in the nation to implement this technology. The initiative has no initial financial cost to the city, with operational expenses being minimal. The city would share any savings from reduced sludge disposal costs, retaining 50% of savings, while Infamark and Biocleaner would share the remaining 50%, with Infamark reinvesting 25% back into the facility.

The program’s success will be independently evaluated by a third-party consultant, based on a rolling average of sludge production from the previous year. This ensures accuracy and impartiality in assessing the effectiveness of the Biocleaner system. The program is expected to be operational within 30 to 60 days, with a full evaluation occurring four to five months later. The commission unanimously approved the agreement for the Biocleaner program, with members expressing support for its potential benefits.

In addition to the Biocleaner program, the commission approved three new septage haulers for the wastewater treatment plant. Rodenheiser Septic, Convenient Disposal and Sanitation, and Royalty Port-a-Johns of Eastern Massachusetts were granted disposal privileges. Rodenheiser Septic had already received temporary approval, allowing the commission to assess their compliance. Convenient Disposal and Sanitation, under new ownership, was approved with hopes of improved operations and relations with facility staff. Royalty Port-a-Johns, a smaller-scale operation, was approved with consideration for proper insurance coverage and liability to mitigate risks.

The meeting also addressed the awarding of chemical supply contracts for fiscal year 2027. Univar was awarded the contract for sodium hypochlorite at a total cost of $561,536, while Boughton Remington secured the contract for sodium hydroxide at $47,976. These contracts contribute to the commission’s chemical budget, which is projected to be favorable despite fluctuations in chemical costs compared to previous years.

Further discussion involved the approval of work authorizations and contract amendments. Work authorization number four, amounting to $61,452.60, was approved for a vector dumping area to improve debris disposal from vacuum trucks. This new system, utilizing standard roll-off containers, was noted as cost-effective and beneficial to the working environment. Additionally, work authorization number five for $170,564.20 was approved to repair two wet weather pumps at the treatment plant headworks, addressing recent pump failures.

The commission reviewed a bid for toxicity testing services, awarding the contract to Pace Analytical Services LLC for $21,874. Their history with Pace was acknowledged, having used their services in previous years. The commission also discussed the need for a new full-time position to manage the Industrial Pre-Treatment (IP) program, which faces increasingly complex regulations.

Lastly, the commission approved the use of retained earnings for several projects. The state-certified retained earnings for fiscal year 2026 amounted to $4,971,921. A proposed transfer of $1.5 million to the stabilization fund was discussed, aligning with the state’s financial best practices. Projects utilizing retained earnings include upgrades to dry weather influent pumps, biological treatment improvements, and chemical pump upgrades, among others. These initiatives aim to enhance efficiency and service continuity while avoiding external financing.