High flow has subsided enough to resume full tertiary treatment.
Updated 3/30/23
The Town of Billerica is now able to resume full tertiary processing of our flow as of 7am on Thursday March 30, 2023. We have posted this also on our news blast, and the DEP site of Public Notification.
As of approximately 3:00 P.M. on March 14, 2023, The Town of Billerica WRRF has been partially bypassing its tertiary treatment process due to exceptionally high flow conditions. This tertiary process is used for phosphorus removal only. All incoming flow is still receiving full secondary treatment, and full disinfection. The partial bypass is being utilized at this time to provide the highest quality effluent possible during this high flow event. This high flow is a result of heavy rainfall and snow received on 3/13 and 3/14 which has substantially raised the level of groundwater in the area. These levels can take several days to subside. During this ongoing event, a portion of secondary effluent( estimated volume will be 1 mgd to 4 mgd) will bypass our tertiary treatment process and go straight to disinfection. Once again, all flow which is discharging from the facility to the Concord River is still receiving full secondary treatment and disinfection. The Town of Billerica WRRF continues to meet all limits set forth in our permit. (NPDES # MA0101711)
Under 314 CMR 16.04 (1)(b-e), The Town of Billerica WRRF is required to include the following language:
" Precautionary measures to be taken by the public, including.. Avoid contact with these water bodies for 48 hours after the discharge or overflow ceases due to increased health risks from bacteria and other pollutants."
"The discharge or overflow consists, or likely consists of untreated or partially treated sewage and waste."
The translations of this event can be seen by using a button located on the bottom right corner and selecting google language.
Best Regards,
Jeff Kalmes
Superintendent
Billerica Water Resource Recovery Facility
70 Letchworth Ave
North Billerica, MA 01862
jkalmes@town.billerica.ma.us
978 671 0956 W
978 987 8896 C