Government

Solution to smelly sewer comes with $35K price tag

Greenport's sewage treatment plant may need $35,000 worth of repairs. (Cyndi Murray photo)
Greenport’s sewage treatment plant may need $35,000 worth of repairs. (Credit: Cyndi Murray)

Greenport Board members are hoping to find roughly $35,000 in the budget to fund a project that would rid the village of foul odors exuding from the Moores Lane sewage treatment plant.

Mayor David Nyce voiced support for the project during the village work session Monday evening after Sewer Department supervisor Ray Dunbar addressed the board about the stinky situation.

About two months ago, residents of West Street began complaining about sewage smells coming from the direction of the plant when the wind blows out of the northwest, Mr. Dunbar said.

During one inspection, village workers detected a “strong odor” coming from the facility’s sludge holding tank, which was confirmed to be the source of the stench.

The solution is to aerate the tank to allow in more air, Mr. Dunbar said. Under the proposal, “blowers,” which would act like fans, would be installed in the tank and run year-round to eliminate the smell.

The equipment is estimated to cost $14,000 and installation another $15,000 to $20,000, officials said.

“Every once in a while it stinks and apparently it stinks more in the winter,” Mr. Dunbar told the board. “Since there is something we can do about the smell I think we should do it.”

“I agree,” Mr. Nyce said.

The Village is now in the process of reviewing its budget to find out if the project is financially feasible.

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