Thursday evening, the Chicopee City Council approved a request by Mayor Richard Kos for an appropriation of $49,000 to fund the second phase of a feasibility study for the interconnection of Chicopee and Springfield sewer treatment facilities. The appropriation will be taken from available funds in sewer surplus account.

In March 2017, a special meeting of the City Council was called to review and discuss a proposal from the Water Pollution Control Division to explore the possibility of utilizing the City of Springfield’s Waste Treatment facility for all of Chicopee’s waste water treatment needs.

The feasibility study is estimated to cost about $267,460, Springfield is committing to fund $145,460 and Chicopee’s share is $122,000. Previously, the City Council appropriated $73,000 for the completion of Phase 1 of the study which includes Tasks 1, 2, and 3. These tasks were limited to plant and pipe capacities as well as finding a pathway to connect Chicopee to Springfield’s Regional Treatments Facility.

With the completion of Phase 1 of the study, it was determined that the physical connection is feasible. The appropriation of $49,000 will fund the remaining balance and Phase 2 of the study, which includes Tasks 4 and 5 that will provide estimated costs to allow for an evaluation by the City of the financial feasibility of an interconnection with Springfield.

“As the City faces increasing infrastructure and maintenance costs, it is important to explore all ways to address our waste water treatment needs,” said Mayor Kos. “The economy of scale this approach offers may make it a viable alternative.”

This study is expected to be completed by the end of 2017.