CRWA in the News

Milford ordered to fix sewage leaks

By Michelle Laczkoski, Daily News staff

Milford Daily News, posted Monday, March 10, 2008

MILFORD — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has ordered the town to fix its sewer system, which has been leaking harmful waste for over seven years.

Board of Selectmen Chairman Bill Buckley said sewer overflows have been a townwide issue "for a long time."

"What the town has been going through as a result ... has been unacceptable," Buckley said. "Going down streets in town after a storm and seeing sewage bubbling up through manholes, I would agree that there's (valid) concern from the EPA."

The town has had more than 100 overflow incidents from its sewer system since Jan. 1, 2001, according to the EPA.

Under the EPA's order, the town must perform a system assessment, prepare a plan to remedy any deficiencies and develop a long-term preventative maintenance program.

Buckley said the "responsibly falls square on the shoulders of the (town's) sewer commissioners and engineers that they hire."

"It's an ongoing cost to the community," he said.

Sewer Commissioner Scott Lanzetta said the assessment is "in the works" and should be completed this spring.

Lanzetta cited the aged pipes as a main reason for such problems.

"Some pipes are over 100 years old, some areas are in need of repair," he said.

Such overflows are often caused by grease build-up or structural, mechanical or electrical failures, the EPA said.

Lanzetta would not comment on the costs of the sewer study, but said once it is completed, the Sewer Commission will prioritize which lines have to be repaired.

The funding will come out of the commission's budget, Lanzetta said. The threat of facing fines of up to $120,000 per day is forcing the group to rectify the issues.

Public Health Director Paul Mazzuchelli has also fielded complaints about the overflowing sewage.

"The spills cause health hazards, and threaten the environment as well," Mazzuchelli said. "It's definitely needed, but it also costs a lot of money."

The EPA said sewage overflows have leaked into buildings and surface waters, including tributaries of the Blackstone River and Charles River.

"Untreated ... sewage contains a variety of pollutants, including pathogens, suspended solids, nutrients, toxic metals and organic compounds that can cause or contribute to violations of water quality standards," according to the EPA's release.

EPA Regional Administrator Robert Varney said the order is an "effort to combat the serious water quality problems caused by ... sewer overflows in the region."

"Addressing (overflows) will help ensure the long-term vitality and health of one of the region's most valuable resources - its rivers, streams and coastal waters," Varney said.

Mazzuchelli said remnants of toilet paper and other raw sewage carry "disease causing organisms, viruses, other microorganisms that could affect health."

"I'm glad to see that they're working on it," he said. "They should continue to work on it."

Buckley, who has been "exerting pressure" and "calling for more transparency" within the town's Sewer Commission said, "I hope they react to this one."

In 2004, similar problems were addressed, and the Sewer Department was put under a state Department of Environmental Protection consent order to cap the sludge landfill and an EPA and DEP consent order to repair the South Main Street/Vine Street sewer leakage problem. At the time, Town Meeting approved nearly $1.7 million to fix the problems.

Buckley said he plans to call a meeting with the Sewer Commission and Town Counsel Gerald Moody to discuss solutions to the current problems.

"Otherwise the town will be subjected to fines if we're not in compliance," Buckley said.