SOUTHWICK – The Board of Selectmen approved making energy improvements to four of the five town sewer pump stations.
The improvements were recommended during a ConServe energy audit and include several small projects.
Department of Public Works Director Jeffrey Neece said one of the biggest changes will be to the lighting in the stations.
“We need to change out all the low sodium fixtures and fluorescent fixtures,” said Neece.
A recommendation to make energy improvements was given for all five pump stations at a cost of $4,576.28, of which $1,307.32 would be paid by Western Massachusetts Electric Company.
Neece said the town could pay off its share over 30 months at a cost of $109.04. The energy savings per month would be $49.95, resulting in a net change to the monthly bill over the 30 months of an additional $59.09.
Selectman Russell Fox questioned whether or not it made sense to spend money improving the Powder Mill station since it is set to be shut down once the school renovations are complete.
“We will be abandoning that,” Neece said and agreed the improvements were probably not necessary.
The Powder Mill station lighting improvements would have cost the town a net change of $2.96 per month.
“Would we eventually remove the structure and return it to grass,” asked Fox.
Neece said that would be the plan. He also said energy audits to other areas, including the transfer station, are pending and would likely include even more savings.
He suggested the board could vote on the sewer pump stations Monday night or they could vote on the whole package once the other recommendations are made.
The board unanimously approved the request so that contracts could be signed and the work started.
