Town Department and Committee Notes
Hinsdale Wastewater Treatment Plant
Over the last year, Hinsdale’s wastewater treatment facility has been working with OSD LLC Engineering to create an asset management plan, funded by a grant from the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services
(NHDES). The purpose of the asset management plan is to evaluate the condition of all vertical and horizontal structures in the sewer collection system and at the sewage treatment plant. Upon completion of the evaluation, each asset is graded and then categorized by priority level, consequence of failure, and redundancy.
The study looked at water inflow and infiltration from the collection system into the plant and how treatment capacity is diminished during these high-flow periods. Partial causes were found to be poor service connection joints, damaged pipes, and homeowner sump pumps connected to sewer lines instead of draining outside the home to the ground.
Another aspect of the plan examined the extra work and damage caused by disposable wipes entering the system. Wipes are clogging pumps at our sewer pumping stations. When this happens, workers must remove and disconnect the pump from the system, then disassemble the face of the pump to remove the blockage. This requires a crane truck and extra manpower from the Water/Sewer Department and the wastewater treatment plant due to limited equipment and staff.
Our study also focused on the true cost of service. Sewer rates should reflect the true cost of providing safe, reliable sewer service to the utility’s customers. The first page of the report states that current rates do not generate the revenue required to cover the full cost of operating and maintaining the sewer system and protecting the environment. They also fail to cover a capital improvements program to replace major equipment at the wastewater treatment plant that has failed or is likely to fail within the next two to three years.
To generate the revenue needed to support the sewer system, an across-the-board rate increase of 31% was recommended. The Town plans to phase in this adjustment over two consecutive years with a 16% increase each year. These increases are intended to provide the revenue necessary to support the sewer system under the current fiscal year budget while continuing to provide safe, reliable sewer service to our customers. Sewer rates and system needs will continue to be evaluated as part of the Town’s regular budgeting process.
Ernie Smalley, Superintendent
Budget Committee
Greetings from the Chairman of the Hinsdale Budget Committee, the committee meets regularly throughout the fall and winter seasons on the 3rd Wednesday of each month, 6:30 pm in the community room at the town hall. Joint meetings are held on an as needed basis with the school and select boards.
(Note) Our Budget Hearing is the first part of February. Dept draft budgets are scheduled for review in November. Our next scheduled meeting is October 21st at 6:30 pm.
We all have seen the inflation and price increases at home; The town and school budgets are no different. We are diligently trying to contain and reduce where we can to help lower the Tax Rate. We welcome attendance from the public and residents for your valued input.
Sincerely, Chairman, Dennis Nadeau
Highway Department
The Highway Department was busy this summer doing paving projects around the town. They are busy now preparing for the winter season!
Hinsdale Transfer Station
PHONE NUMBER 603-336-5718
HOURS:
Wednesday: 10 am - 3:45 pm Thursday: 10 am - 5:45 pm Friday 8 am - 3:45 pm Saturday: 7 am - 3:45 pm
The highway crew got the pad ready for a new compactor, for recycling. Thank you to the Geoffrey Holt Fund!