If there was ever a good time for the town to face an unexpected $1.6 million expenditure, it might be now.

Barrington officials discovered recently that the wastewater treatment plant it utilizes in Riverside was in need of repairs, and the work was likely to cost about $4 million. 

But Barrington appears to have caught a break, as the work falls under allowable uses for the American Rescue Plan funding. The American Rescue Plan provides cities and towns with federal money to help them recover from the pandemic — the federal government gave Barrington about $4.8 million in ARP money.

At the Sept. 13 council meeting, Barrington Town Manager Jim Cunha told councilors that East Providence officials initially wanted Barrington to pay 90 percent of the wastewater treatment facility repair costs. East Providence leaders reportedly believe that sulfate build-up in the pipes leading from Barrington pumping stations to the plant in Riverside are to blame for the problems.

Mr. Cunha told councilors that there were numerous conversations between Barrington and East Providence officials before an agreement was reached: Barrington was to pay 40 percent of the price tag, and East Providence will pay the rest.

“So I think 40 percent is a deal,” Mr. Cunha said. 

The town manager also told councilors that ARP funding specifically lists infrastructure projects as allowable uses. 

“I think it needs to be done. It needs to be done quickly, and that’s why I brought it to you tonight,” Mr. Cunha said. 

Barrington Department of Public Works Director Alan Corvi said the deal struck by Mr. Cunha and East Providence officials was fair and equitable. Mr. Corvi also said the estimate for the facility repairs may have been a bit high, and he believes the work could cost less than $4 million.

Barrington Town Council member Jacob Brier appeared pleased with the negotiated agreement and said it was ideal that the expenditure was not impacting taxpayers as the work will be covered by ARP funding.

Council President Michael Carroll motioned that the town enter an agreement with East Providence to make repairs to the wastewater treatment facility, and that Barrington pay the lesser amount of 40 percent or $1.6 million. 

Mr. Cunha then clarified that if the price for the work increases, he would return to the council for further approval. 

The council voted unanimously to approve the motion.

Disruption

Three days after the council agreed to pay for repairs to the wastewater treatment facility in Barrington, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management reported that a disruption at the Riverside facility resulted in the discharge of partially treated wastewater into the Providence River.

The press release stated that DEM officials ordered the closure of shellfish harvesting in Conditional Area A at about 9 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 16. 

“DEM works closely with the East Providence wastewater treatment facility operators to protect public health and the water quality of shellfish growing waters,” stated the release. “The closure will continue until the wastewater treatment facility returns to normal operation and the water quality of the Upper Bay can support safe shellfish harvest.”

Officials said emergency repairs had been made immediately after the problem was discovered.