Showing posts with label sewer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sewer. Show all posts

Saturday, June 3, 2017

Sewer Rehabilitation Underway in Downtown Areas

Phase 5 of our sewer rehabilitation project is underway and will last through much of the summer. 
Sewer service will be interrupted in localized areas for short periods of time (several hours) throughout the process. 
Our contractor, National Water Main, will provide advanced notice of service interruptions to those affected. 
Feel free to contact our office at 508-520-4910 with any questions or concerns.


Laurie J. Ruszala, P.E.
Water and Sewer Superintendent
Franklin Department of Public Works
257 Fisher Street
Franklin, MA 02038
508-520-4910


This was shared from  http://www.franklinma.gov/node/126073

Monday, February 20, 2017

Town Council meeting recap - follow the water!

The most significant take away from the Town Council meeting on Wednesday was the overview on the water situation for Franklin. We get all our water from the underground aquifer. Very interesting stats and details on how we get it, how it is treated before we use it and where it goes after we have used it (via sewer to the Charles River Treatment plant in Medway).

Some big expenses coming down the road. A water treatment plant is needed for Wells 3 and 6 or we would see this in our faucets (slide 35 from the presentation below):


Well 6 is underutilized as it has too much iron and manganese in it
Well 6 is underutilized as it has too much iron and manganese in it

The water treatment plant needed for Wells 3 and 6 (slide 37) is estimated at $6M. This is starting to be planned for now and would likely begin in a couple of years.

Replacement of the Beaver St connector is more expensive and would cost approx $15-20M. The connector was built in 1910 and carries most of Franklin's waste to the Charles River plant in Medway (page 5 of the presentation below).

I highly recommend listening to this presentation and discussion about the proposed inclusion of private wells in the future water ban restrictions. Not, the normal conservation effort only the water ban (if declared). 

It begins approx. 25 minutes into the video and runs for over an hour.






The video replay of the Town Council meeting of Feb 15, 2017 can be found here
http://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?PGD=franknma&eID=433

The Actions Taken by the Town Council can be found here
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/town_council_actions_taken_february_15_2017.pdf

My notes reported live during the meeting can be found here

Wednesday, February 15, 2017

Live reporting: Water update

DPW Robert (Brutus) Cantoreggi
Water Superintendent Laurie Ruszala

(hopefully presentation doc to be added later)



You can also find the copy on the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/public-works/news/town-council-presentation-water-system-2152017


cost estimate to replace Beaver St Connector would be about $10-20M

every gallon we don't send to the Charles River treatment plant we save money on

challenging the MS4 permits with a consortium of communities

reconstruction of retention ponds; for example, Lockewood Dr

DPW built the retention basis on Lockewood

permit requires less than 65 gal/person per day

since 2001 fixed 750 leaks to water system

when the ban went into effect, for the most part people did obey and our pumping dropped

photo to be added of the raw water before treatment is astounding

$6M for a new treatment plant for wells 3 and 6 coming down the road (soon)
wells are close to each other so they can be pumped together and use one treatment plant for both

Populatic St has a site that hasn't been fully approved, we are not asking for more water, we are asking for flexibility to pull from other areas within the Town

3 and 6 are registered wells and pre-date the permitting process

permitted for 3.45 reduced to 3.14 MGD

received a number of grants, right behind the City of Worcester which is amazing

Pfeffer - How soon do we need the treatment plant?
Cantoreggi - soon, but not tomorrow, working on the numbers, 2-3 years to be online
Nutting - need to fund within 12-18 months

Padula - do we get any recapture? what is infiltration?
Cantoreggi - Charles River not capable of sending the water back to us. We can show through sewer and water conservation what we are doing but they can't show the improvements as it goes into the Charles

Jones - thanks for bringing this forward, how has our conditions to improve?
Ruszala - no, it takes time for the water to get into the ground

Jones - I think we need to get the treatment plant underway
Ruszala - we are getting better readings with the new meters, old readers fail and read low, folks only call when the meter reads high

Jones - what is your opinion on current capacity?
Cantoreggi - we are not at peak, we have decent daily flows, the peaks are what can hurt us. Supporting the fire flow is our concern, Schedule work for May as our wettest time of year and what happened last year, the drought came when we were doing work on some of our key producing wells.

Dellorco - we need to be cautious, with well 6 back online that would help
Ruszala - we need to change the pumps and well field to regain the full capacity of 3 and 6

Nutting - once we get the price we'll get a 20 year bond and get a rate increase, could be a 10-15% increase in the cost. At the end of the day, water is the most important thing. It could be 8 years between rate increases

Nutting - some home son Green St, and some off Populatic. Norfolk collects and pays our rate.

Sewer gets a flat rate for those with private wells

Sewer bill is based upon the water use, simple mathematics calculations

At one time, we had a permit to purchase water from Millis?
It would cost us significant to do so; we don't have the right, They can sell to us

most under our control is treatment plant in
second is to add a new well, could cost a $1m to have someone say no
third would be to spend money to add infrastructure to purchase from Millis


Water restrictions
Ruszala - to include private wells for a severe drought
over a thousand registered wells in Franklin
about 225 are for irrigation only
would only impact the private users during the full ban

Cantoreggi
when we go to a full band, we should have them join us, we are all drawing from the same aquifer, no matter the depth of the well, same aquifer

what is more important, the grass or the drinking water?

had a drought in 2007, so this is the second time
conservation, not a water ban

John Redwine, 9 Mapletree Lane
I understand it is the good for everyone, once you start hard to know when it will stop

Allen,
also private well owner, agree wholeheartedly, happy to know just the ban not the restriction
exception from the provision for the golf course
also an exemption for the Town, mis-aligned public valued
lawn versus irrigation discrepancies

I worry about the horticulture, the things that help the oxygenation we use
worry about the whole system effect, a fundamental balance
not creating a false comfort
2 things would love to see more about irrigation systems
many not following water sense system
moving thought process within the Town

Franklin Country Club gets their irrigation water from Wrentham
they have their own permits with the State

regarding exemptions for the Town, we did stop watering the fields
there are fields that for player safety that are watered
we also do have water sense systems

Kit Brady
really appreciate the work
wasn't aware of the facts
I don't consider us part of the water problem but part of the solution
as we are not effecting the problem, not convinced that the private wells are drawing from a common aquifer; private wells drilled at a different depth, has someone that diagram
not a hydroligist did research in the last couple of days
MA law reference
do see plenty of lawns that are wet in the mornings that could be enforced to help with compliance

Patalano, 11 Newall Drive
don't think it is necessary to regulate 225 wells

Bissanti
a drop in the bucket, I don't see enforcement
history of the wells in Franklin, a blunderous decision in 89-90 had to put in wells
expensive to maintain, irrigation system but stopped use and saves on landscaping as lawn cuts less frequently

Ruszala -
the main complaint, was how do they get water and I don't

Dellorco
I got caught up in the water moratorium too, I spent over $10K, and a recent $2500 for a new pump

Jones
the most simplistic way to put this, it is almost unmanageable, what this boils down to is what folks should and shouldn't do; folks have a clearer idea after tonight
everybody get on board with a basic understanding on what to do if we have a repeat of what happened last summer
a significant drought would be a public health issue

We have moved to a moderate level, it is recovering and the snow hasn't got there yet, but there is improvement

Bissanti - is there a rule about owning down and up
Cerel - other town have done this, it can be done. Owner rights are seldom absolute. It is an oversimplification

Would anyone object to posting that you have a well?
I think we can regulate a new irrigation system for better usage

DPW - we do water enforcement, we do public education, we do warning and we did one fine
we Google maps from neighbors, I don't like being water police and snow police but we do do that, we are active, more education than fining

Cerel - the bylaw is a re-write so even if we omit the privcate wells, it should go fardward

Thursday, June 23, 2016

Real time reporting: Town Council - 6/22/16

The new police chief and deputy were sworn in at the Town Council meeting. This was also an historic moment as the 4 recent chiefs were together in the same place (photo op!).

The proposed downtown parking plan received general acceptance and will come back before the council in a set of bylaw changes to make formal approval. Once approved, then the DPW will get to work on making new signs.

Be sure to scroll through the Storify widget to review all the notes taken during the meeting.

a full house was on hand for the Town Council meeting to see the new police chief and deputy get sworn in
a full house was on hand for the Town Council meeting to see the new police chief and deputy get sworn in 



Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Please don't flush swiffers

The Franklin Sewer Department spends countless hours and thousands of dollars every month repairing equipment damaged by household wipes... These extra costs end up driving up sewer bills, so please don't flush wipes and other non-toilet paper products!

swifters that have clogged up sewer pumping stations
swifters that have clogged up sewer pumping stations

Download and print this flyer to save as a reminder what NOT to flush



For additional info visit the DPW page
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Publicworks/General_Pages/What_Not_To_Flush

Related post from earlier this year
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/05/dont-flush-swiffers.html

Friday, July 10, 2015

Dacey's Market liquor sales restricted by Town Council

The Town Council had a busy meeting on Wednesday. They approved the sewer extension for a single family home on Crocker Ave and penalized Dacey's Market for liquor sales to an underage person. They sent a zoning bylaw change to the Planning Board for the area around the current Thompson Printing facility. They also authorized the funding of the trust fund to help resolve the OPEB issue.


Sewer Extension

The single family home owner will pay for the sewer extension and repaving the road where the sewer line is laid. The land is mostly ledge and won't support a septic system per Franklin's Health Dept inspector. The vote was 8-0 for this item at the second reading. Members of the Council had objected to the absence of the home owner for the first reading of the bylaw change. The home owner was present on Wednesday.


Dacey's Market

Dacey's Market was handed a 7 day penalty, 4 days to be served beginning July 16th and 3 days held in abeyance for 2 years. This is the second instance for underage liquor sales. The first took place in 2011. 

The underage sale was discovered when an off duty sargent was making a personal purchase and observed the individual making his purchase. A vehicle license check confirmed the underage status. An officer on duty happened to be in the area, he was contacted. Confirmed the underage status and made a vehicle stop to confirm the liquor purchase. He confiscated a CT license. The individual claimed to not have used it as the store employees regularly did not check for licenses.

The owner of Dacey's Market was present. He had purchased the license validation machine after the 2011 incident to prevent underage sales. If the machine says the license is good, he makes the sale. The license itself may be good but it may still not match the individual. Dacay's has 5 days to appeal the Council decision by going directly to the ABCC, otherwise the penalty will take effect as agreed to.


Zoning Bylaw

A zoning bylaw change was referred to the Planning Board to begin the process of changing the last industrial zone in downtown to residential. This was an outcome of a prior zoning workshop the Council, Planning Board and other Town official held March 25, 2015. (My meeting notes can be found here)

The area around the location of the current Thompson Building is the target for the change. It already abuts another similarly zoned parcel. The proposed change is hoped to provide additional residential space near the downtown area. The Planning Board will do their public hearing process and bring the bylaw back to the Council where there will be a public hearing and two readings before a vote. 

Franklin Municipal Building
Franklin Municipal Building

OPEB Trust Fund

Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB) account is underfunded by the Town of Franklin to the tune of about $80M. An actuarial study currently underway will confirm the current requirement. Franklin had established a trust fund to help manage the money being put aside. The primary purpose for such would be to increase the rate of return on the funds invested. Current regulations impose a more conservative return opportunity for the money in 'stabilization' funds but allow for more aggressive funding opportunities in a managed trust fund.

The trust fund was established previously. The management committee had been meeting to discuss investment options and finally reached their decision. The Council's action was to approve the transfer of $1,875,334.64 (plus accrued interest) to the Trust Fund.  


The complete set of notes recorded live during the meeting can be found here



Thursday, May 28, 2015

Don't flush Swiffers!

From the DPW Water and Sewer page:
Paper towels, disposable wipes, washcloths and rags are becoming more and more of a problem for sewer systems with the increase in "disposable" wipes.  These wipes may be disposable but that does not make them flushable!   
Please do not flush swiffer wipes, baby wipes, diapers, disposable toilet bowl cleaners or any other non-toilet paper product.  These items cause major problems in our sewer pumps and we are not alone.  As discussed in a USA Today article tilted "Wipes in the Pipes Snarling Sewers", this issue is is affecting sewer systems across the country.  So please do your part and don't flush wipes!
swiffers removed from Franklin's pump station
swiffers removed from Franklin's pump station

What does happen to the water you flush?




You can also find the treatment process with this interactive webpage
http://www.wef.org/flash/gowiththeflow_english/theflow.htm


Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Live reporting: FinCom (continued) - Capital Budget

Jeff Nutting providing an overview of the stabilization accounts

turf field is subject to a bounce test every year, wears out due to the sun rays
about $500,000 needed to replace the 'carpet' at the turf fields

Chief Semerjian
discussion the police capital request
car replacement, try to keep cars in a rotation and replace the vehicles that are high mileage and maintenance issues

looking for 3-4 cruisers each year, try to keep it even year to year
3 marked units, requested as SUV vehicle types
1 unmarked units as a sedan
fully loaded for the police technology
computer, lights, electrical components, locking brackets for firearms
piggy back up on the State bid

body armor to be replaced 13 units, this year and another 13 next year
attempting to get some grants to help offset the costs
units are targeted to last 5 years
policy in place to wear the body armor at all times

tasers, rotated among the shifts
some assigned to tactical units; would like to have enough for everyone to have one per shift
affords another level of protection, less lethal
the business can recycle units but under the program where we own it
after 5 years, it is time to go

computer technology, pretty basic - $17,000
all cleared through T Raposa, the Technical Director

study done previously on the maintenance of old vehicles didn't actually save any money
tend to buy good used vehicles as a better (cost effective) option

the police cars do take a beating, they are running 24 hours

DPW
Robert (Brutus) Cantoreggi,  DPW Director

need a street sweeper, both units need to be on the streets now especially after the winter
both units are actually broken at the moment, the main one (to be replaced) needs a new hydraulic units

1 ton dump truck, haven't replaced one in some time
buying gas engine rather than diesel as the diesel don't get the mileage to make it worth while

hot box, approved by Town Council last week

9 foot mower, part of the replacement program

streets 

attempted override last year, it did not pass

Oak St in front of high school, needs to be done soon
was waiting for high school work to be done and now is the time
put some islands in, like on Lincoln St
worked very well on Lincoln this winter, won't be as many as Lincoln
just at the beginning and end of the 'longest' school zone in Franklin

Miller and Pleasant St
drainage issue as well as frequent accident site
getting multiple things done at one
drainage, safety and storm water treatment

Sidewalks

St Mary's down Pleasant St to Miller ($900,000)
Griffin ($15K) and Chestnut ($15K)

do some design work this year, put out to bid next year
could use the hotel money or short term borrowing to provide the funds for the work
called for in the Master Plan

would normally be covered during road rebuild but these streets are not part of the road plan immediately

granite curbing and bituminous surface

asking for $200K to do desing and the two smaller sections
once the design is complete, the total cost will be know and could be bid

the reason Beaver St is not on the list is due to the railroad and the bridge

Water

developer put the water line in, now the street piece needs to be replaced
Crocker and Hill Road, Lewis St

water treatment membrane

Dale St water main to be done 'in-house', needs to provide the pipe to be used

study on water facilities being done, numbers should be ready for next year


Sewer

from Cook's Farm to Shaw's the sewer pipe is almost blocked
need to burst the pipe and replace with a new layer
sewer is normally gravity fed, this section is pumped as it is a low spot

26 sewer lift stations around Franklin

Council has authorized $7.5M to bond
15 year rolling, every 5 years, 5 million bond authorizations

Northgate neighborhood being done this year

water master plan being updated

no water rate increase foreseen in the next 2-3 years
maybe 3-5 years a small increase to fix a maganese issue that the DEP has raised

65% of the Charles River is 'owned' by Franklin hence we owe that amount of the expenses
took 1 million gallons out of the sewer treatment, to save money via leakage

positive planning with DEP has paid off, with awards and recognition

Medway found their $1M leak

Fire Dept, Schools, Facilities, Technology for next time

one item is to replace wireless connections in the municipal buildings
if this is going to be changed every 5 years, maybe start another stabilzation fund to cover those recurring expenses
schools are expanding their chromebooks, cost of hardware and installation

overall budget


quick update on overall budget
health insurance meeting this Thursday, $8M line item
out to bid and should have decision this week

charter school number was wrong and through the cherry sheet number off, overdue in reply
fire fighters arbitation award for 4 years, awaiting deal
4 years of retroactive pay for 48 people is going to be a chunk
possible gap coming but hopeful to get it soon

otherwise will need to make some educated guesses and get started
if we get started and need to make some adjustments, we will

everything later this year due to new Governor and his first budget which came out in March instead of January

regional transportation, circuit breaker issues
what will it be? don't know

early May to start budgeting, first two weeks
possibly five meetings

all the department heads have their budgets ready, what they have submitted may not be what I (Nutting) recommend to go forward so they can at least talk about it

Dispatch Center

have design, architect, Norfolk is also looking to put their police station in same building, we'd be on first floor; still a year and half away
all the equipment and coordination together
did put money in budget to start in 4thQ, will know more in a month or so

during day, secretary and kiosk at night for fire dept
doing analysis for the police station to monitor the lock up
does it make sense to have a central lock up? where? how many cells would be needed?
all in the talk stage at this point


Streetscape meeting today

plan to do the whole project this year with the exception of Main st
do the drainage work that is left
put up the bases for the new lights
Emmons, West Central, East Central and do Main St in 2016
they want to start in 2 weeks
it is going to be painful, some trees at Dean will be taken down
High St to be done as part of the project (it needs it)

ripping up the road down by Brick School, the pavement failed


Old business, new business - nothing

motion to adjoin
next meeting Apr 22

Saturday, December 6, 2014

Reminder: Franklin Line delays - Sat and Sun

While this update refers only to the inbound, recall that this weekend there will be buses running from Forge Park to Franklin/Dean. So with the trains to Boston starting and ending at Franklin/Dean, avoid the shuttle from Forge Park and go direct to Franklin/Dean.

There is both track work and Franklin DPW work on the Beaver St culvert which runs along the track both Saturday and Sunday. 

Franklin Line Train 1702 (6:35 am from Forge Park / 495) delayed approximately 10 minutes due to track work today 
Affected direction: Inbound 
Last updated: Dec 06 2014 06:47 AM
screen grab of DPW culvert work
screen grab of DPW culvert work


The post earlier this week in case you missed it can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/12/mbta-this-weekend-franklin-line-shuttle.html

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

MBTA: This weekend: Franklin Line shuttle

Buses replacing all Saturday and Sunday outbound Franklin Line trips between Forge Park and Franklin Stations on December 6-7. Delays of 10-15 minutes may occur.

Due to necessary track work, buses will replace all outbound Franklin Line trains between Forge Park/495 and Franklin/Dean College Stations on Saturday, December 6, 2014, through Sunday, December 7, 2014

Regular Franklin Line train service will resume at the start of service on Monday, December 8, 2014. All shuttle bus stops are accessible for persons with disabilities.

Shuttling the following stops:
Franklin
Forge Park / 495

Last updated: Dec 02 2014 11:00 AM


screen grab from DPW Presentation on emergency repairs
screen grab from DPW Presentation on emergency repairs

The Town of Franklin will take advantage of the scheduled track work to coordinate repairs to the Beaver St connector (sewer line). The work was discussed and approved at the last Town Council meeting.  
The presentation to the Town Council  can be found on the DPW webpage here  http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_DPW/Town_Council_Presentations/Beaver_St_Culvert_presentation.pdf






Tuesday, November 25, 2014

In the News: sewer repairs, tax rate set


The public works department needs to make emergency repairs on a damaged culvert off Beaver Street that supports a section of sewer line to prevent a potential "environmental disaster." 
If the cast iron pipe is compromised, raw sewage will flood into nearby Mine Brook at a rate of 2 million gallons per day. 
Originally installed in 1914, the pipeline transports 70 percent of the town’s sewage flow effectively from Beaver Street to Pond Street. The lining inside the pipe has weakened from years of erosion.
Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20141125/NEWS/141128016/1994/NEWS



Town councilors have approved a 39-cent increase to the tax rate, raising it from $14.45 to $14.84. 
Taxes on a home assessed at $381,000 -- the average value – will increase by 7.5 percent, or roughly $397, in fiscal year 2016. 
Overall, residential property values have increased by about 4.7 percent, according to Kevin Doyle, the director of assessing. 
“Values are beginning to trend up slowly — about a half a percent per month — and we’re continuing to track the market,” Doyle said last week during the brief tax rate hearing before the council.
Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20141125/NEWS/141128012/1994/NEWS


New FHS layout, green section in front left position along Oak St is where the practice field
New FHS layout, green section in front left position along Oak St is where the practice field would be that is now going to be a turf field and that will be regulation sized to be used for games

As reported last week, the summary of the Town Council meeting can be found here (including links to all the detailed reporting during the meeting)
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/11/the-town-council-reorganizes-sort-of.html


Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Live reporting - Sewer study appropriation

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 14-09:Appropriation - Sewer – East Central Street Pump Station Study 


Cantoreggi asking for some funding to re-evaluate the sewer plan, the East Central pump station
doesn't have a whole lot of storage capacity
owners were going to build some wet wells.
with Cook's Farm coming online, and Franklin County Club looking to be part of the system
they will come for a permit, I want to provide the best answer
looking to do the analysis to see what is required, we have the overall capacity within the town, it is a matter of how to convey it to the pump station

clarifications on what the study will do
matter of upgrading the pumps themselves and not a new station
looking at the peak times
built large holding tanks, to hold and then flow in the off hours

If bigger pumps, does it mean bigger buildings?
Not really, we should be able to do it within what we have

the owner has been working with us, it is typical thing we can negotiate with them

Country club has a package treatment plant, it holds it breaks it down and then send it on
they are a maintenance issue, it is up to you to allow them to come on board
we'll have to figure out how to meter as they get water from Wrentham and we usually meter from the water use

Nutting - need the study to decide what is needed so we can move accordingly

The same company we have been working with, not something we can do in house

(read the motion after the vote was technically voted)
motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0

The Finance Committee did not meet to vote on this




Saturday, January 26, 2013

Annual Report 2012: DPW - Water and Sewer

The Department of Public Works is organized into several divisions. Each of their sections in the Annual Report will be published separately to allow for better reading.

WATER/SEWER DIVISION

Deacon P. Perrotta, Superintendent

The Water and Sewer Division has had an active fiscal year in “2012”. I would be remiss if I did not start by acknowledging the retirement of Anthony Mucciarone, Director of Operations. Tony a 36 year veteran of the DPW took me under his wing and mentored me for the last two years. His good nature, warm heart and institutional knowledge were essential to the success of the Water and Sewer Department and Public Works in general. Tony’s understated management style always put the water and sewer crews first and established relationships that help solidify the union/management relationship. The majority of the customer requests for service would start by asking for Tony by name, emphasizing his relationship with the community. He will not only be missed as a colleague but as a friend. The staff all wishes you continued good health and a happy retirement.

The Water and Sewer Division is responsible for the supply of water for all purposes to residents, commercial establishments and industries in Franklin, adhering to all State and Federal regulations, and maintains adequate water supply and pressures for fire protection. This Division is also responsible for the collection of wastewater from residential, commercial and industrial sources and transmission of such wastewater to the Charles River Water Pollution Control Facility.

Other responsibilities of the Water and Sewer Division are capital planning, yearly budgeting, ordering and maintaining an adequate inventory of supplies, developing plans and specifications to meet the needs of the Division, including review of plans and specifications prepared by outside consultants.

Total Annual Water Production:
2011                       2012
974,042,000        938,145,000

Water/Sewer Personnel
Personnel in this Department consist of a Superintendent, ten man water section, and a five-man sewer section. Also, four summer employees were on board to supplement our regular crews with maintenance duties.

The Department also relies on automation to provide 24 hour supervisory control over both water and sewer facilities. The Department upgraded its SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system to provide a more comprehensive and thorough overview of daily operations.

Water/Sewer Statistics
Miles of water mains …………..….160
Number of fire hydrants ………… ±2000
Number of water services ……….. 9608
Miles of gravity sewer ……………. ±110
Miles of force main sewer ……….. ±10
Number of sewer manholes …….. ±2050
Number of sewer connections …… 7300

Water Facilities
Thirteen (13) wells; Six (6) Water Storage Tanks located at (2) Hillside Road, Pleasant Street, Forge Hill, Franklin Industrial Park, and Bald Hill. Eight booster stations located at Bright Hill, Pleasant Street, Franklin Industrial Park, Jefferson Road, Cornwallis, Tanglewood, Washington Street and Susan’s Way. The town also operates a state of the art Micro Filtration treatment plant at Public Works Way.

In addition, the Town of Franklin is in a cooperative program for the operation of monitoring river and pond flow in the Charles River at Medway, Miscoe Brook in Franklin and Kingsbury Pond in Franklin by the U.S. Geological Survey, Water Resources Division.

Sewer Facilities
Sewer pumping stations: Grove Street #1 and #2, Milliken Avenue, Franklin Industrial Park, East Central Street, Anthony Road, Sahlin Circle, Oxford Drive, Washington Street, Dawn Marie Circle, Bridle Path, Squibnocket Road, Ainsley Drive, Monterey Drive, Jackson Circle, Jefferson Road, Kenwood Circle, Miller Street, Charles River Drive, Palomino Drive, Red Gate Lane and Public Works Way.

Precipitation
July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012 precipitation recorded at the DPW Garage on Public Works Way was averaged for a total of 52.3 inches.

Precipitation July 2011 – June 2012
Month - Inches
July - 2.72
August - 8.23
September - 6.98
October - 7.30
November - 4.57
December - 4.51
January - 3.09
February - 0.60
March - 1.80
April - 4.11
May - 3.93
June - 4.46

Water Pumping Station Operators
Our Pump Station Operators monitor the daily operation of ten (10) water well pumping stations with chemical feed facilities, seven (7) water booster stations and six (6) water storage tanks.

A gauging station, which monitors the flow of the Charles River, is located on Bent Street and at Dix Brook on South Street. Included in the daily operations are the monitoring of chemical feeders and the maintenance of all pumps, electric motors, and standby power supplies. Water pump Station Operators record all daily pumping records and chemicals fed into the water distribution system which are kept on file for submission to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (D.E.P.). This section also samples Franklins’ water for bacteria once a week, for a total of over 65 samples each month. The samples are tested by a state-approved laboratory for reporting to D.E.P. The pH of the water system is monitored daily. Fluoride, which is continuously added to the Town’s water distribution system, is sampled and tested daily to ensure that the amount of fluoride added to the water is within acceptable limits set by the Department of Public Health as mandated by the Center of Disease Control.

I am extremely proud to announce that the Franklin DPW Water Operators were awarded the “2011 Water Fluoridation Quality Award” by the State Public Health Department and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, United States Department of Health and Human Services for their consistent and professional adjustment of the water fluoride content to the optimum level for oral health for 12 consistent months.  Consistent, high-quality water fluoridation practice, as demonstrated by the Franklin Water Department, is a safe and effective method to prevent tooth decay, improving the oral health of community residents of all ages. Community water fluoridation has been recognized by the CDC as one of the 10 great public health achievements of our lifetime. Steve Nunnery, Richard Griffin and our newest operator J. P. McNeil were chiefly responsible for this accomplishment.

Water/Sewer Activities:
Project and plan reviews conducted by the Water and Sewer Department included:

  • Grove Street water main project
  • E. Central Street water main, and street reconstruction
  • Wheelock Circle water main
  • Pyne Circle water main
  • Phase 3 Sewer construction


Our crews were also responsible for installing over 500 feet of water main on Wheelock Circle replacing a 2 inch water main. This in-house project improved fire protection through the installation of a new fire hydrant. Also water quality issues and water main dependability were greatly improved.

Water and Sewer Maintenance Crew
Water and Sewer Maintenance crews are responsible for the maintenance and repair of all water and sewer infrastructure. The crew’s responsibilities include the maintenance and repair of water mains, water gate valves, water service shut-offs and hydrants. The staff also maintains and repairs gravity sewers, sewer manholes, and sewer easements. The Water and Sewer Maintenance Crew is responsible for maintaining records of location of all existing water and sewer services for private contractors, utility companies, engineering firms, and the general public.

Our crews continued to perform the annual hydrant flushing program to help ensure high quality water and reliable fire hydrants. Our staff in conjunction with the Highway and Grounds crews flushed 1817 fire hydrants. As a result of this flushing program, the maintenance crews repaired seventy-four (74) fire hydrants and replaced four (4). In addition crews repaired four (4) hydrants truck by vehicles.

Our Water and Sewer Maintenance crews are also responsible for the repair of thirteen (13) sewer manholes and the jetting of numerous sewer and drain lines ensuring operability of the drain and sewer system. Crews repaired twenty-two (22) service leaks in conjunction with our leak detection program: eight (8) fire hydrants, one (1) water main ad thirteen (13) water services. Our leak detection program surveys over 166 miles of water main annually. This feat is accomplished using the latest electronic leak detector using audio frequencies created by underground leakage.

Digital leak noise correlators were used when needed to pinpoint leak locations. The survey resulted in finding one leak in approximately every 7.54 miles of main surveyed. Our crews assisted in twenty-nine (29) water service renewals.

Field crews were also instrumental in testing new water mains on East Central St., Old Forge Hill, Pyne Circle, Beech St., Dean College, Winter St. and South St. Testing ensures that water mains were installed properly by pressure testing and water quality is correct by chlorinating and testing mains prior to returning them to normal operation in the distribution system.

Fire flow tests were conducted and supervised in eleven (11) locations throughout town. Fire flow tests are used to determine the available flows in the distribution system under fire fighting conditions. These tests are used by the Office of Insurance Services to determine insurance rates for commercial and residential properties.

Our crews were also responsible for making fifteen (15) trench repairs, thawing out three (3) frozen service pipes. Water and Sewer crews responded to one hundred and fifty (150) service calls and fifteen (15) plugged sewers.

Lastly, and most importantly our crews effectuated six (6) main breaks last year. As expected these events happen at the least opportune times. Late night, early morning; week-ends, during snow storms or below freezing temperatures seem to beckon these emergency situations. In all circumstances our Water and Sewer Maintenance crews answer the bell and perform expletory work under the most severe conditions and complete them in a timely and most importantly safe manner.

Sewer Pump Station Operators
The Sewer Pump Station Operators keep pumping and maintenance records and monitors the daily operations of 23 sewer pump stations, and one (1) storm water lift station. This includes performing maintenance and repair on all sewer pumps, electric motors, air compressors, and standby power supplies to ensure that these facilities are kept in good operating condition.

These pumping stations must also be constantly washed down and sanitized by the Sewer Pumping Station Operators. The Sewer Pumping Station Operators are responsible for maintaining flows in all transmission mains and unclogging these mains with sewer jet machines whenever the need arises. Sewer pump stations include:; Miller Street, Dawn Marie Circle, Milliken Avenue, East Central Street, Washington Street, Jefferson Road, Kenwood Circle, Jackson Circle, Anthony Road, Franklin Industrial Park, Grove Street Stations #1 and #2, Squibnocket Road, Ainsley Drive, Charles River Drive, Red Gate Lane, Bridle Path, Oxford Drive, Monterey Drive, Sahlin Circle, Lewis Street, Populatic Street, Palomino Drive and the storm water lift station on Beth Road; all received regular and preventative maintenance.

The Water and Sewer crews were proud in completing the refurbishing of the Milliken Ave. facility to consolidate sewer appurtenances formally stored at different facilities. This reorganization has made repairs easier and more efficient.

The Water and Sewer Department strongly believes in educating its’ work force. The Department holds memberships in the New England Water Works Association, Plymouth County Water Works Association, Mass Water Works Association and the American Water Works Association. All these resources are used to help train and educate our employees.

The Water and Sewer Division provides general and technical assistance to all town departments as part of its normal duties. This year the Water and Sewer Department erected sheds at the Davis Thayer School, Senior Center, Kennedy School, and the Keller Sullivan School. In addition, the Water and Sewer Department hosts the Annual Book Sale in the Water and Sewer Garage. The Water and Sewer Division also works closely with and provides assistance to the Engineering and Highway Departments, including sanding and snow plowing operations.

As a result of a “team effort” demonstrated by all the Water and Sewer Department employees, we are able to provide excellent customer service. Thanks to the Highway and Grounds crews who were instrumental in making our flushing program a success. A special thank you to all the administrative staff for their assistance and support throughout the year. A happy and healthy retirement to Faith Flaherty our Accounts Payable clerk.

Respectfully submitted,

Deacon Perrotta
Water and Sewer Superintendent


-----

The first section of the DPW Annual Report can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/01/annual-report-2012-dept-of-public-works.html

The second section
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/01/annual-report-2012-dpw-engineering.html

Additional information on the DPW activities can be found on their webpage http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_DPW/index


Published by the Town Clerk, this comes from the 2012 Annual Report
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/


Saturday, October 27, 2012

"Still a man hears what he wants to hear"

What do Simon and Garfunkel have to say about the water and sewer bills for Franklin?
The rate hikes, though, went into effect July 1, after being approved by Town Council last year.
For the average customer, that has meant a little more than $40 increase for sewer and a $50 increase for water. 
And the sewer rate will go up again this summer by 20 percent, resulting in a more than $80 increase. 
Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting said Thursday that the raised rates have been expected, though he acknowledged, "Time goes by, and people forget."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1831584163/Reminder-Franklin-water-sewer-rates-have-risen#ixzz2AUpkasdr

The rates were on the agenda for Sep 2011
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/09/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-91411.html

Reporting on the approval of the rates
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/09/town-council-091411.html





You can avoid surprises by subscribing to either the daily update or the weekly summary
http://www.franklinmatters.org/p/welcome.html



Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Public Notice: hydrant flushing


The Franklin Department of Public Works, Water Division will begin its hydrant flushing program on Monday, April 9, 2012. This program is conducted annually to improve Franklin’s water quality and fire flows. Some hydrants will be flushed between the hours of 7:00 pm and 11:00 pm, while others will be completed during the day. Hydrant flushing will continue depending on water availability and system pressures. Residents may experience discolored water during this process.

Residents may experience, temporary water loss or discolored water while hydrants are being flushed in their area. Even though aesthetically the water may look discolored, it is still safe for human consumption.

Thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation and we apologize for any
inconvenience that this may cause. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the Water Office at 508-553-5551.

Department of Public Works
Deacon Perrotta
Water & Sewer Superintendent



Originally posted on the Franklin website
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_News/01887947-000F8513

Thursday, August 11, 2011

"There isn't going to be an option not to do the project."


"This is a very unfortunate, but not unknown increase," said Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting. "It shouldn't be a surprise to anybody." 
The Charles River Pollution Control District has already begun a $19 million project expected to cap the residuals landfill, upgrade security, and upgrade the phosphorus removal and disinfection system, add a scum handling system and replace clarifier mechanisms, among a few other improvements. The town shares the cost with Bellingham, Millis, and Medway, but Franklin's sewer assessment will go up $700,000, said Nutting. 
Then, last year, the council authorized a $7.5 million bond to improve the water system. 
The increases should cost the average customer $40 more in sewer bills the first year and $50 more for water the first year. 
Town Council did not take action on the proposal, but is expected to vote on it at its next meeting.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x1510866185/Franklin-water-sewer-bills-expected-to-rise#ixzz1UiFmCHXW


While Jeff Nutting is quoted as saying "this should not be a surprise". In 2009, he also said
"We do have time to plan for it per Jeff as this would only kick in for 2015 and beyond."
Apparently the increase is coming in sooner than 2015.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/02/live-reporting-charles-river-pollution.html


Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Live reporting - DPW - Sewer extensions

Sewer System Discussion

Nutting - looking for some direction on the current sewer extension bylaw, intent to not extend it
Should the council decide to change it? More of a struggle when it is a sub-division but not for a single house

Mason - how long ago was the bylaw passed?
Nutting - I'd have to look at it, it has been amended a couple of times

Mason - maybe 15 or so times have is been used?
Nutting - yes

Mason - what is the issue, do we have some latitude?
Nutting/Cerel - #6 was added in 2005 to give the Council greater discretion

Pfeffer - this was put in to control the growth, and last time we had a seven unit sub-division and I was the only one to object. Should we continue to try to do this?

Mason - I am not opposed to way to try and tighten it up. Maybe we are not seeing the growth and it is not as big an issue.

Nutting - For a Town going to spend millions of dollars on storm water, a septic system is better for us

Pfeffer - I am not looking to change this, I am looking to enforce what we already have,

Vallee - you're not going to see uncontrolled growth for a long time. All we have to do is say no.

Powderly - the issue is what is the intent? Some of the environmental concerns were not discussed before but given the storm water situation, maybe we should look at it again

Cerel - #6 was given in the sense of the Council to provide some leeway for negotiation, you could eliminate #6 and not be in danger of anything else.

three minute recess



Franklin, MA

Monday, May 10, 2010

Live reporting - Water/Sewer Enterprise funds

Solid waste

The rate was as high as 300 then 280, now coming down. It includes buying the totters and financing the cost to supply them as we go forward

The enterprise funds are self-sustaining, they are maintained by the fees

motion to approve, passed 7-0 (Cameron recused herself)

Nutting was remiss to thank Mr Dacey, we paid .005% when we went to bond the totters

Sewer
can't continue to draw down our fund balance to zero,
they also certify our fund balances when they do free cash
folks should expect a sewer rate increase due to the 19M increase in a required plant upgrade

motion to approve, passed 7-0 Cameron recused herself)

Water
budget trimmed, mandated by state can sell more than 65 gallons per person per day
continue to need capital improvements, long run will need to comeback for funds to continue those programs
we have some cast iron pipe that needs to be replaced, and asbestos lined pipes that need to be replaced
appealing permit now, trying to put in a new well for 12 years and haven't been able to do so

Q
chemical increase
we bid it out when we can, the prices are very volatile
limited choice on supply

A water permit is given for a five year period, we are appealing some of our differences of opinion

motion to approve, passed 7-0 Cameron recused herself)

Franklin, MA