The first pond at the Dolores Sewer Plant is full of it, and you know what "it" is. To clear the situation a routine cleanup is expected to take place in spring 2014.
Some 4 feet of sludge has accumulated at the bottom since it was last cleaned in 1993.
"It has been 20 years, and we knew it was coming," said Town Manager Ryan Mahoney. "Cleaning it out is an expensive endeavor with a lot of specialty equipment."
A preliminary bid from Parker Agricultural Services estimated costs at $104,000.
The accumulation of sludge is the by-product of the organic breakdown of solid wastes.
"Once the oxygen feeders start to get clogged, then you know it is time for sludge removal," Mahoney said. "The second pond is at about 2 feet of sludge, so cleanup there is a ways down the road."
After a lab analysis to make sure it does not have heavy metals, the sludge can be hauled to the landfill. Also, it can be applied to agricultural land as a type of compost for those holding the proper permits.
The removal process takes about a week. Additional bids are being sought. During removal, the waste stream will be diverted to the other two ponds.
The expenditure is part of the 2014 budget. Grants and possibly a low-interest loan will help finance the cleanup.
jmimiaga@cortezjournal.com