by Bea Peterson
Grumbling could be heard all over the Village of Hoosick Falls when homeowners and businesses recently received their water/sewer and waste pickup bills for the rest of 2009 and two thirds of 2010. The bills had increased again this year. And they will undoubtedly continue to increase. However, a tour of the new Water Treatment Plant on Waterworks Road is an eye opener when it comes to what it takes to provide quality water to Hoosick Falls residents. The new facility is state of the art. There is no longer a strong chlorine odor when a tap is turned on as the process that adds the chlorine and other cleaning chemicals to the water is all computerized, ensuring the
proper amount is administered. Water Department Head and licensed Water Treatment Plant Operator Jim Hurlburt oversees the entire plant from a computer screen in his office. He knows what is going on with all three wells. He knows how much finished water is in the holding tank. He can even review what is happening at the plant from home. A series of tall filters further cleans the water before it reaches the holding tank.
Should the power go out, a generator goes into operation immediately and stays on until power is returned. Every section of the process is computerized and can be checked and altered, if
necessary, at any time. Hurlburt has undergone extensive training to become a licensed water treatment plant operator.
Seven Million Dollars
The Village received a $7,000,000 interest free loan to build the new plant and to raise the casings on the wells so they will not be flooded with river water and that there will never be another incident of water having to be shipped in as happened a few years back. Work on the new water lines in the Clay Hill area is almost completed, ensuring homes and businesses a much better water supply. Tasks remaining to be completed are a dry hydrant for the fire department, line looping in sections of the Village and a new water tower on Rensselaer Street. The cost for all this was supplemented by a $500,000 Rural Development Grant arranged by former NYS Senator Joe Bruno and, at the time, Assemblyman, now Senator Roy McDonald.
Laura Reynolds Recognized
At opening ceremonies Thursday, August 20, Hoosick Falls Mayor Matt Monahan and Water Plant Operator Jim Hurlburt presented former Mayor Laura Reynolds with a plaque in recognition of her dedication and hard
work in the completion of the new water treatment and new wastewater treatment facilities, from 2005 to 2009. Reynolds and Hurlburt cut the ribbon opening the plant.
Reynolds thanked everyone for the plaque. “I certainly didn’t do it all myself,” she said. “Every Board member helped. They are very dedicated and intelligent, and I appreciate their help. It was a great experience. I’m happy about the new technology, and I’m glad it happened on my watch.”
Rensselaer County Executive Kathy Jimino congratulated the Village on the new facility and commended the Board and the mayors, past and present. “It’s a part time job, really, but with full time hours and a lot of dedication,” she said.
Hoosick Town Supervisor Marilyn Douglas congratulated the Village representatives “for having the foresight to improve the Village infrastructure.” She would like to see some lines expanded into the Town. Such a move would benefit the Town and bring extra revenue into the Village.
Representatives from Clough Harbour, Malone & Tate, J.V. Warren Plumbing and Stilising Electric all attended the opening.
Two State Of The Art Facilities
With the completion of the water projects, Hoosick now has two state of the art facilities, the Water Treatment and the Wastewater Treatment plants. The Department of Environmental Conservation has stated that the Wastewater Treatment Plant is a trend setter and recommends other towns and villages visit it when planning improvements to their own facilities. Perhaps they should come and see the new Water Treatment Plant, too.
