Wayland wastewater panel splits plant repair work to speed diffuser fix

WAYLAND -- September 9, 2024, Wayland wastewater commission splits plant repairs to beat membrane fouling. Chair Michael Gitten and member Darrin Bock agreed Monday to advance diffuser replacement and possible tank coating on a separate track from the larger fine-screen project, with diffusers expected on site within a month and installation planned for November. Operations Manager Jared Cotton said membranes are running with "great pressure, great flow, great permeability" since the last cleaning, but a tank drawdown confirmed impaction near a broken diffuser. The diffuser install is expected under $50,000 and will go to three bids. Wastewater Administrator Sarah Pawluczonek reported fiscal 2024 closed with roughly a $30,000 surplus on nearly $44,000 in interest, and that collections have risen to 93 to 94 percent from 87 percent, with about $35,000 in past dues across 15 mostly commercial accounts.