Water Treatment Tour

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Created on Friday, 29 April 2016 14:54

Written by Alex Pinkham

SAINT JOHNSBURY- Last night, the water treatment facility in Saint Johnsbury opened its doors to the community to show them what they need for funding to make repairs to the plant.

According to Dan Gray, an operator at the water filtration plant, the major concerns revolve around corrosion of the facility, and the equipment needs to be updated. This comes after the facility has been open for 26 years. This could be fixed next month, as the state has a 10-million dollar bond. At this time, the plant is looking for ways to spend that money in regards to their equipment.

"We went with three options which was to replace the existing technology, refurbish the existing technology or the new technology which was membrane, which is a better filtration system." Gray said.
The problem with refurbish was the cost of 2.1 million dollars. The idea to replace the tanks was a bit of a no-brainer.

"The actual price to replace these tanks in kind was less than that figure. Obviously we were headed towards replacement." Said Robert Dufrense, the president of Dufrense Group.

The hope is all this work on the filtration system will provide clean and safe water to the people of Saint Johnsbury. Both Defrense and Gray also believe that this plan is a good way to use the states funding. The final discussion about the money will be made yearly, starting next month.