The price tag of the Riverhead Sewer District’s biosolids reduction project has increased to approximately $21.1 million, more than double its original estimated cost.
The Town Board on Tuesday held a public hearing to increase authorized spending on the project by about $2.48 million over the amount last approved.
The original estimated maximum cost of the project was $10.5 million, according to a 2021 report prepared by Riverhead Sewer District consulting engineers H2M. The estimated maximum cost later rose to $18.65 million, according to a May 2024 revised report prepared by H2M.
Riverhead Sewer District Superintendent Tim Allen said the increase reflects changes made during the design and grant-funding process.
The project is intended to reduce the volume of biosolids produced at the sewer treatment plant, lowering disposal costs and improving long-term operational efficiency for the district.
The hearing was closed Tuesday, with a bond resolution expected to be voted on at a future meeting.
Water district PFAS treatment improvements OK’d
The board on Tuesday also approved several measures related to PFAS treatment infrastructure in the Riverhead Water District, including a $2.26 million budget adjustment tied to treatment improvements at Water District Well No. 5-2A.
The project is being funded through a federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Emerging Contaminants grant, according to town documents..
Bids connected to installation of water mains at 203 East Main St. and PFAS treatment improvements at Well No. 5-2A were also approved Tuesday..
Hearing on Scott’s Pointe amended site plan set
The board also scheduled a public hearing on the amended site plan application for Scott’s Pointe, also known as Island Water Park, in Calverton.
Resident Kathy McGraw criticized the public notice for the hearing, arguing it did not clearly disclose proposed drift-car events and other uses associated with the amended application.
“I would really like to see that public notice modified to give the public true notice of what is going to be going on in that public hearing,” McGraw said.
The Town Board also unanimously approved a resolution supporting preservation of the Peconic Farms property in Jamesport as open space following extensive public comment and discussion with Suffolk County Legislator Greg Doroski. [See related stories here and here.]
In other action Tuesday, the board:
• Appointed Daniel Concannon as a probationary Riverhead police officer. Board members praised Concannon, who has been working at Town Hall’s front desk while awaiting appointment. (See separate story.)
• Held a public hearing on increased fines for illegal dumping and solid waste violations.
• Held a hearing on amendments expanding property tax exemptions for surviving spouses of volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers killed in the line of duty.
• Approved special-event permits for the Riverhead Chamber of Commerce cardboard boat race, “The 4th Before the 4th” festivities, the Muddy Princess obstacle-course event, Riverhead Raceway fireworks and a Wonderland Midway carnival at Tanger Outlets.
• Authorized future public hearings on proposed code amendments involving fire prevention regulations, commercial solar energy systems, electric scooters and the Business F manufacturer outlet center overlay district.
• Tabled a proposed agreement with Suffolk County involving reuse of treated effluent water at the Indian Island Golf Course pending further negotiations.
During public comment, residents again urged the board to adopt the proposed East End Public Safety and Accountability Law addressing coordination with federal immigration enforcement operations.
Riverhead resident Carrie Flanagan said residents remain concerned about ICE operations occurring without coordination with local police.
“The proposed law doesn’t ask our police or town officials to interfere or impede ICE, but there have to be defined roles and an effective emergency plan during ICE raids,” Flanagan said.
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