Good Afternoon,
As of approximately 12:30 P.M. on August 8, 2023, The Town of Billerica WRRF has been partially bypassing its tertiary treatment process as well as entered contact stabilization mode in aeration due to exceptionally high flow conditions. Contact stabilization is an alternative flow pattern utilized in extreme conditions to preserve the microlife in the plant that is essential for Wastewater Treatment. All flow is still going through Pretreatment, Primary, Secondary treatment, receiving partial biological treatment and Disinfection. These alternative flow modes are being utilized at this time to provide the highest quality effluent possible while preserving operational capabilities of the plant during this high flow event. This high flow is a result of heavy rainfall received on the morning of 8/8/23 which has substantially raised the level of groundwater and caused widespread flooding in the area. These levels can take several days to subside. Again, The Town of Billerica WRRF (NPDES # MA0101711) is currently receiving and treating unprecedented high flows in excess of 14 Million Gallons Per Day to be discharged to the Concord River.
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."
Regards,
Nick Evans
Interim Superintendent
Billerica Water Resource Recovery Facility
70 Letchworth Ave.
Billerica, MA 01862
nevans@town.billerica.ma.us
W 978 671 0956
C 781 645 8420