In a bid to address the pressing need for water infrastructure improvements, Peru’s water plant, which is connected to Lake Champlain, is set to undergo significant upgrades. The facility, operating for around 40 years, faces challenges due to aging infrastructure and the influx of 5 to 20 pounds of phosphorus per day.The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has stepped in to offer a lifeline, providing a substantial $1 million grant to the town of Peru. This funding, allocated as part of the Lake Champlain Watershed Implementation Plan, aims to enhance the plant’s conditions and combat bacteria growth in the water.Commissioner Basil Seggos of NYS DEC emphasized the importance of these upgrades, stating.”Every water body has different stressors, but for the most part, it’s failing infrastructure that impacts our water quality,” Seggos said. He highlighted that the improvements would directly contribute to reducing phosphorus levels, ultimately enhancing water clarity and mitigating harmful algal blooms.Courtney Tetrault, the Water & Sewer Superintendent for the Town of Peru, expressed gratitude for the much-needed support, acknowledging the challenges posed by the project’s scope relative to the town’s modest user base. “It’s great to hear it’s much needed. We have a rather large project, but a very small user base that has to fund this project. So, any grant funds are desperately needed,” Tetrault said.The allocated funds will facilitate the installation of a new solids handling system at the facility, ensuring more efficient waste management. Additionally, the NYS DEC plans to collaborate with local programs to guarantee proper water quality for Lake Champlain, underscoring the commitment to safeguarding the region’s environmental health.Erin Vennie-Vollrath, coordinator of the NYS DEC Lake Champlain Basin Program, expressed enthusiasm for the collaborative efforts.”The Lake Champlain Basin Program is excited to continue working closely with New York State, D.C. and the Lake Champlain Partners on these efforts to improve and protect water quality in the Lake Champlain watershed,” Vennie-Vollrath said. The renovation project is slated to start in 2025.
In a bid to address the pressing need for water infrastructure improvements, Peru’s water plant, which is connected to Lake Champlain, is set to undergo significant upgrades.
The facility, operating for around 40 years, faces challenges due to aging infrastructure and the influx of 5 to 20 pounds of phosphorus per day.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has stepped in to offer a lifeline, providing a substantial $1 million grant to the town of Peru. This funding, allocated as part of the Lake Champlain Watershed Implementation Plan, aims to enhance the plant’s conditions and combat bacteria growth in the water.
Commissioner Basil Seggos of NYS DEC emphasized the importance of these upgrades, stating.
“Every water body has different stressors, but for the most part, it’s failing infrastructure that impacts our water quality,” Seggos said.
He highlighted that the improvements would directly contribute to reducing phosphorus levels, ultimately enhancing water clarity and mitigating harmful algal blooms.
Courtney Tetrault, the Water & Sewer Superintendent for the Town of Peru, expressed gratitude for the much-needed support, acknowledging the challenges posed by the project’s scope relative to the town’s modest user base.
“It’s great to hear it’s much needed. We have a rather large project, but a very small user base that has to fund this project. So, any grant funds are desperately needed,” Tetrault said.
The allocated funds will facilitate the installation of a new solids handling system at the facility, ensuring more efficient waste management. Additionally, the NYS DEC plans to collaborate with local programs to guarantee proper water quality for Lake Champlain, underscoring the commitment to safeguarding the region’s environmental health.
Erin Vennie-Vollrath, coordinator of the NYS DEC Lake Champlain Basin Program, expressed enthusiasm for the collaborative efforts.
“The Lake Champlain Basin Program is excited to continue working closely with New York State, D.C. and the Lake Champlain Partners on these efforts to improve and protect water quality in the Lake Champlain watershed,” Vennie-Vollrath said.
The renovation project is slated to start in 2025.
Read More: Town of Peru’s water plant to receive upgrades thanks to DEC grant