Sewage Sludge and PFAS
Where We Are Now
The question of how to responsibly manage sewage sludge—and the PFAS chemicals it may contain—is receiving heightened attention in Williamstown and across the region.
At the April 28 Select Board meeting, several community members raised concerns about "forever chemicals" (PFAS) in composted sludge and the risks of spreading these contaminants on agricultural land. The full meeting is available on WilliNet (sludge discussion begins at minute 19).
Background on Composting and Proposed Changes
The HWQD, a regional partnership between Williamstown, North Adams, and Clarksburg, has operated a sludge composting facility on Simonds Road for several decades. Recently, a proposal from Casella Waste Systems suggested expanding operations to import processed sewage from other municipalities, compost it locally, and export the material for land application as fertilizer.
While this approach offers potential revenue to offset local sewer rates, questions have been raised about PFAS content in sludge and the long-term implications of land based disposal methods. Some states, including Maine, have already banned such use, and legislation is under consideration in Massachusetts.
Finance Committee Recommends Flexibility
In response to these concerns and a 2–3 vote by the Select Board against the originally proposed sewer rate (which assumed revenue from composting), the Finance Committee revisited the issue at its May 2 meeting.
By an 8–0 vote, the committee recommended an amendment to the Town Meeting warrant article that would provide an additional $200,000. This funding would allow HWQD the option to landfill the sludge instead of composting it—should they choose to or be required to in the future. The estimated increase to the average household sewer bill would be approximately $6.79 per month.
Committee Chair Fred Puddester emphasized that the HWQD Board—not the town—has authority over final decisions regarding sludge disposal. The recommendation is intended to provide financial flexibility in the event that the district opts for or is required to pursue a different disposal method.
Balancing Considerations
During deliberations, Finance Committee members and Select Board representatives acknowledged the complexity of the issue. Considerations include the financial impact on ratepayers, the long-term implications of various disposal methods, and the regional nature of the HWQD, which includes communities with different levels of financial capacity and infrastructure.
Next Steps
The Hoosac Water Quality District Board will meet Wednesday, May 14 at 4:00 PM in North Adams City Hall Council Chambers.
The Williamstown Select Board is expected to discuss the Finance Committee's recommendation at its May 12 meeting.
The Annual Town Meeting on May 22 will consider the proposed amendment to the wastewater assessment article.
For more information:
Watch the April 28 Select Board meeting on WilliNet
Member discussion