Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 11/9/2022
CHICOPEE – Mayor John Vieau and city leaders continue to address adequate cogs of Chicopee’s water and sewer system. To aid that movement, the City Council approved $315,000 in funding for a lead service line replacement plan during their Nov. 1 meeting.
Vieau introduced the item as a part of his Mayor’s orders. He explained that development of a replacement plan is occurring due to an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) mandate requiring all municipalities across the state and country to reach new copper and lead regulations by 2024.
“These funds will be used for the engineering services for the development of a lead service line inventory and replacement plan. The new regulations that will take effect will also require verification of all material types and GIS [geographic information system] for approximately 17,000 water services in the city,” said Vieau.
Funding derives from the city’s Water Surplus Account. Water Superintendent Jim Deni said the project will be submitted to potentially receive funding from the State Revolving Fund and loan forgiveness programs.
“We’re hoping we qualify for it, but if we don’t, we’ll still have to do the inventory,” said Deni.
As a part of the mandate, Chicopee will also establish a public database showcasing information on the service line inventory. The Water Department is also working with the University of Massachusetts on collecting samples throughout the city’s schools and daycare centers. The project is being fully funded by other entities.
The lead service line replacement plan coincides with the city’s ongoing effort to replace its aging wastewater treatment plant. 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.
The $4.5 million first phase of the $65.2 project received full funding from an EPA grant announced during an Oct. 11 ceremony, which means ratepayers will not be impacted by the project. It will begin in 2024 and continue in development across three phases over the next seven years. Vieau stressed that the city will be proactive in continuing to seek funding for the project.
After brief discussion, the City Council approved funding for the lead service line replacement plan.
Additionally, the City Council approved a $19,557 fiscal year 2023 Emergency Connectivity Fund grant for the Chicopee Public Library. Vieau shared that the grant funds the purchase of three new Chromebooks that will be circulated to patrons. Library visitors can also borrow Wi-Fi hot spots.
“Like borrowing a book, you can also borrow a hot spot or a computer,” said Vieau.
The City Council will meet again on Nov. 15.