PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City of Pittsfield announced an environmental milestone in its commitment to water quality and sustainability. 

 

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has officially lifted the Administrative Order (AO) 11- 007, issued to the city on Feb. 11, 2011. This action recognizes the city's successful efforts to meet stringent phosphorus limits in its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit and to enhance its Capacity, Management, Operation, and Maintenance (CMOM) program.

 

"The City of Pittsfield extends its heartfelt gratitude to the previous administration, community, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, and all partners involved in reaching this milestone," said Mayor Peter M. Marchetti. "Together, we have demonstrated that through dedication, innovation, and collaboration, we can achieve a sustainable and environmentally friendly future for all."

 

Over a decade ago, the EPA mandated Pittsfield to address the phosphorus levels found in the city's wastewater discharge and to rigorously evaluate and update its CMOM program. The AO also required annual CMOM update reports, ensuring continuous improvement in the city's wastewater management practices.

 

In response, Pittsfield not only meet but exceeded these requirements. The project began with extensive engineering studies and an alternatives analysis in 2011-2012, followed by pilot-testing and selection of advanced treatment technologies in 2013-2014. The engineering design and contractor selection

phase spanned from 2015 to 2018, culminating in the construction and startup phase from 2019 to 2023.

 

The centerpiece of Pittsfield's efforts is the new tertiary treatment system at the wastewater treatment plant, specifically designed to meet the NPDES permit's stringent phosphorus limits.

 

This system features a ballasted flocculation process that effectively reduces phosphorus levels to below the permitted 0.1 mg/L. Additionally, upgrades were made to the plant's secondary treatment and biosolids handling systems, ensuring a holistic enhancement of the facility's capabilities.

 

This $56 million construction project, funded through a Massachusetts DEP Clean Water Fund Loan—with substantial principal forgiveness—marked a step towards environmental stewardship. The project is believed to represent an estimated 250,000 person-hours of engineering and construction work.

 

With the closure of AO 11-007, effective immediately, Pittsfield has no further obligations under the original administrative order. The city's current NPDES permit, No. MA0101681, which became effective on November 1, 2021, incorporates CMOM requirements that are as rigorous, if not more so, than those stipulated in the AO.