Wayland wastewater board splits diffuser and screen projects to accelerate repairs

WAYLAND -- September 4, 2024, Wayland wastewater board splits diffuser and screen projects to speed urgent membrane fix. The Wastewater Management District Commission, with Chair Michael Gitten and member Darrin Bock voting remotely, endorsed pulling diffuser replacement and tank painting out of the larger fine-screen contract so installation can proceed in November rather than waiting for screens not expected until January or February. Operations Manager Jared Cotton said a tank drawdown confirmed impaction near a broken diffuser but reported membranes currently show "great pressure, great flow, great permeability." DPW Director Thomas Holder said diffuser work will be procured under the $50,000 three-quote threshold with painting itemized separately. Administrator Sarah Pawluczonek reported a roughly $30,000 fiscal 2024 surplus driven by nearly $44,000 in interest, and about $35,000 in lienable past dues across 15 mostly commercial accounts.