PITTSFIELD, Maine — Town councilors will be updated Tuesday on the ongoing sludge removal process at the wastewater treatment plant.
A meeting was held earlier this week among town officials, officials from the state Department of Environmental Protection and Acheron Engineering to discuss various removal options.
One — solar drying — was removed from the list due to Maine’s unpredictable weather.
Other options being researched include air-drying beds, geo tubes — bags that are pumped full of sludge and then left to dry — and mechanical removal, which is the most expensive of the options. Disposal options, such as using a landfill or spreading on land were also discussed.
Pittsfield is being directed by DEP to undertake this project, which is years past due.
In other business, the council will:
— Ratify an agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for a brownfields cleanup grant for a property on Mount Road. The agreement increases the federal share of the project from $40,000 to $70,000, bringing the total project to $132,000.
— Vote on a proposal by Evolo Energy Solutions of Newport for a $60,165 wind turbine to be installed at the town’s transfer station and recycling center.
— Approve bid specification for two projects: a water pump installation for Pittsfield Water Works and engineering for the Pittsfield Industrial Park expansion.
— Approve negotiations for the town’s oil, propane and kerosene needs.
— Approve offering, on a first-come, first-served basis, a free ice cream freezer and piano from the Pittsfield Community Theater.
bdnpittsfield@myfairpoint.net
487-3187