GRAND ISLE, Maine – The town of Grand Isle just received another $750,000 from the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) for upgrades to its wastewater and water treatment facilities.
The town has now received $1 million from the NBRC this year, as they previously awarded the town $250,000 in June for the same project.
The total project is estimated to cost $4,195,000. In addition to upgrading the wastewater and water treatment plants, the work also includes upgrading four wastewater pump stations and constructing four sludge drying beds.
Town Clerk Debbie Gendreau said earlier this year that this work will help Grand Isle meet new regulations for the spreading of sludge due to PFAS.
PFAS are a class of toxic substances that are not easily broken down in the human body or the environment, earning them the name “forever chemicals.”
The NBRC, according to an Oct. 22 press release, said it is prioritizing the needs of small communities in its grant making. Grand Isle is located in northern Aroostook County and has a population of roughly 370.
Gendreau also said this summer that while the existing facilities are roughly three decades old, the town does not have any issues with its water quality. These upgrades are focused on modernizing the existing facilities through adding computerized alarm systems, upgraded filtration, and more efficient metering.
The project also includes the addition of new grinder pumps that will handle items that can clog the system, like disposable wipes.
Officials believe the work could go out to bid at some point next year.
