Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 10/19/2022
CHICOPEE – The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) announced a $4.5 million grant for Chicopee’s aging wastewater treatment plant during a Oct. 11 press conference. The funding is made available through the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and will fully fund the first phase of $65.2 million project that will be in development over the next seven years.
Background
Upgrades to the plant were deemed necessary after the city and EPA reached a consent decree in the 2000s regarding the city’s dumping of raw sewage into the Connecticut and Chicopee Rivers. The disbursement of sewage occurs during inclement weather, with the aged pipes carrying sewage and stormwater causing overflow.
Under Mayor John Vieau’s administration, Chicopee has focused on addressing the decree through different means. The city continues to set aside funds for a sewer separation project in the Fairview area – a project that has been ongoing since the EPA’s decree. Part of the recent funding derived from the city’s first phase of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) monies.
As for the wastewater treatment plant, the upgrades aim to decrease levels of excessive nitrogen and other pollutants discharged from the plant. The pollutants remove concentrations of dissolved oxygen in the river bodies, which creates an oxygen depleting effect known as hypoxia that endangers fish and other aquatic life. Several tests have concluded that Chicopee possesses some of the highest rates of nitrogen discharge among Western Massachusetts water pollution control facilities, according to the city’s press release.
The $65 million project will be implemented across three phases. The $4.5 million first phase will begin in 2024 with upgrades to the plant’s biological reactors, liquid treatment system improvements and solids process improvements. Phase 2 will start in 2026 and will address nitrogen reduction, while Phase 3 involves various upgrades and repairs to the city’s Water Pollution Control Facility on 80 Medina St.
The $4.5 million grant will allow the first phase to be completed without an adverse impact to Chicopee ratepayers. The improvements will lower sewer rates locally while also offering regional impact via the Connecticut River, according to Vieau.
“The nitrogen reduction requirements will keep our rivers healthy and benefit the downstream neighbors in Springfield, West Springfield, Agawam, Longmeadow [and] along the river from Connecticut to Long Island Sound,” said Vieau during the press conference.
When the project reaches completion in 2029, the wastewater treatment plant will reduce its nitrogen output by over two thirds of its current day emissions.
Press conference
Vieau announced the grant alongside Congressman Richard Neal, state Rep. Jacob Olivera, state Rep. Michael Finn, members of the City Council, and representatives from state Sen. Eric Lesser’s office and Congressman Edward Markey’s office. EPA Regional Administrator David Cash and MassDEP Regional Director Michael Gorski also offered comments on the grant.
In his remarks, the mayor expressed gratitude for the grant and its direct impact upon Chicopee residents’ tax payments.
“We’re grateful to Congressman Neal for his work obtaining this grant … ratepayers will not see an increase will not at least for the first two years of work,” said Vieau.
Vieau also aspires for the project to be a key initiative in the city’s green efforts. He hopes the continual improvements to the treatment plant help make the Connecticut River a viable recreational asset for Chicopee and other local communities.
When asked how the remaining expenses of the multi-year project will be funded, Vieau stressed that the city and its delegation will continue to be proactive in seeking grants to reduce a potential tax increase.
“As we get into the second and third phases, we will certainly be looking for more help and explore all opportunities to find creative ways to lower that burden that the ratepayers in Chicopee are facing,” said Vieau.
Neal reflected on continual progress the country continues to make in ensuring positive environmental change. He fondly recalled participating in activities during the first Earth Day celebration as a student at American International College.
“I can’t tell you how consequential that turned out to be,” said Neal.
Neal applauded Chicopee for placing a renewed focus on green environment choices. He aspires for local and country-wide clean energy movements to set an example for the world.
“We got to get the rest of the world to embrace what we’ve embraced,” said Neal, who referenced the billions in tax incentives President Joe Biden tax plan awarded for organizations moving away from fossil fuels.
Regional Director for Sen. Edward Markey’s office Kristen Elechko provided a statement on behalf of Markey.
“This initial funding for the Connecticut River and Chicopee River ecosystems will lay the groundwork for reducing the excess nitrogen released in these rivers … All [are] working hand in hand to make sure communities downstream will be able to enjoy these rivers for generations to come,” said Elechko.