The Clean Water Act, passed by Congress in 1972, implemented a series of pollution controls for wastewater operators as well as regulations regarding discharge into waterways such as the Connecticut River.  To maintain compliance with the new regulations and to continue to protect the health of the Connecticut River, the Springfield Regional Wastewater Facility (SRWTF) was upgraded in 1977. The SRWTF is owned by the Commission and operated by the Commission’s contracted wastewater operator, SUEZ Environmental Services.

At the SRWTF, wastewater from Springfield and the surrounding communities of Agawam, East Longmeadow, Longmeadow, Ludlow, West Springfield and Wilbraham is treated before returning to the environment via the Connecticut River. On average, the facility treats approximately 40 million gallons of wastewater per day.

While the Clean Water Act regulations have continued to evolve over the past 40 years, much of the machinery and equipment at the SRWTF is original to the facility, dating back to the 1970s. Equipment is in need of repair or replacement for improved functionality and continued compliance with the ever-changing clean water regulations. The Wastewater Treatment O&M Evaluation project will support design and engineering services to evaluate and oversee capital projects at the SRWTF.

SUEZ will be undertaking the construction of these upgrades as part of their new service contract beginning in FY21.  The upgrades will improve system resiliency and compliance with clean water regulations for many years to come, and ensure that the Commission continues to support its mission to return clean water to the environment and maintain water quality in the region’s central waterway.

The Commission has allocated $150,000 in FY21 for the evaluation of the wastewater treatment systems.