As leaders focused on the long-term goals and needs of our communities, being proactive in identifying future challenges, collaborating with partners, and delivering improvements to critical infrastructure are the keys to our future.

The agreements approved by the Village of Oakfield and the STAMP Sewer Works Corporation in recent weeks are an example of this focus in action.

The Village of Oakfield Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) continues to operate efficiently while protecting local streams and the environment. Upgrades to enhance treatment performance, improve energy efficiency, reduce operating costs, and increase long-term sustainability are achievable through our partnership.

Maintaining and upgrading infrastructure and facilities for critical utilities like water and wastewater systems are one of the most important steps local municipalities are taking to ensure a great future for our community, our state, and our nation. Doing it in a cost-effective and environmentally beneficial way is another.

That’s why the Village of Oakfield is moving forward to provide wastewater services to the Science & Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP) in the town of Alabama. And why the STAMP Sewer Works Corporation is investing in infrastructure that benefits STAMP’s current and future tenants, and the residents  in the Village of Oakfield.

The funding being provided to the village wastewater treatment facility will result in operational enhancements and make the plant more operationally efficient.

While the plant is currently meeting all state and federal regulations, the forthcoming upgrades through this agreement secures the viability of the plant for years to come, especially as it pertains to keeping in compliance with ever-changing mandates from the state and federal governments.

One of the most important improvements at the facility will be for the treatment of phosphorus by adding technologies and processes to reduce phosphorus-containing compounds in the wastewater from STAMP and all other Village residents, businesses and users served by the WWTP.

These enhancements will ensure the WWTP remains a vital, sustainable asset for the Village and its residents into the future.

It’s also important to note that only non-industrial sanitary sewage from bathrooms and kitchens will be discharged from STAMP to be treated by the Oakfield facility.

The upgrades that connect STAMP to the Oakfield wastewater facility also will include design, construction, and operation of a new force main, including sewer lines, pump stations and metering equipment.

This investment continues to enhance water and wastewater among other infrastructure in and around the STAMP site providing significant benefits to residents and businesses in the Village and Towns of Oakfield and Alabama.

Further, this investment grows the ability for STAMP to attract new private sector investment and job creation in addition to the current economic development activity occurring there. Future growth at STAMP means future investments in critical infrastructure improvements for area water and wastewater systems.

- Dave Boyle is the Mayor of the Village of Oakfield; Peter Zeliff is the Chairman of the STAMP Sewer Works Corporation