In a recent government meeting, officials discussed ongoing compliance issues with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) regarding the city's wastewater treatment facilities. The meeting highlighted a draft consent order issued by DEP, which follows a compliance inspection conducted in September 2023. The inspection revealed primarily reporting errors rather than performance failures at the West Wastewater Facility.

Scott Richards from Kroll Engineers explained that the DEP's findings stemmed from a review of a year's worth of data, which included various reporting inaccuracies. While the city has resolved nearly all issues cited in a warning letter from December 2023, the draft consent order introduces new civil penalties exceeding $300,000, which officials are seeking clarification on.

Concerns were raised about the timeline imposed by DEP for construction projects, particularly the requirement to prioritize the West Plant over the East Plant, which is in worse condition. Officials expressed skepticism about the feasibility of completing the necessary construction within the two-year timeframe stipulated by DEP, citing potential delays in obtaining permits and equipment.

The meeting also addressed the city's reporting practices following spills, particularly during recent weather events. Officials reassured that all incidents are reported to DEP, although not all require public notifications. The discussion underscored the challenges faced by the city in managing wastewater operations during emergencies, including power outages at lift stations.

Overall, the meeting revealed significant tension between city officials and DEP regarding compliance expectations and the practicalities of wastewater management, with officials questioning the rationale behind the consent order's stipulations.