On Wednesday evening, July 10, Wilton’s Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA) approved four applications for sewer allocations — one for ASML’s expansion plans and three for new multifamily housing developments.

The approvals came minutes after the WPCA learned the results of the Town’s ongoing efforts to reduce excess flow in Wilton’s sewer system — in effect, freeing up available capacity, without the risk (at least, for now) of exceeding the contractual limit with the Norwalk, which receives Wilton’s sewer flow for treatment.

I&I Update

DPW Director/Town Engineer Frank Smeriglio, along with a consultant from engineering firm Wright-Pierce, updated the WPCA on the Town’s efforts to address “inflow and infiltration” (I&I) in Wilton’s sewer system.

Wright-Pierce recently completed a model of Wilton’s sewer system, which enabled the Town to assess how much excess flow could be stemmed through rehabilitation of problem areas in the system, such as defective manhole covers, broken pipes, etc.

Smeriglio reported that 172,000 gallons per day — conservatively — could be removed from the system, assuming successful completion of the recommended repairs. (In June, the WPCA approved an “initial push” on spending for the anticipated repairs, including $1.25 million for FY’25, with additional investment over the next five years.)

Smeriglio then gave a detailed presentation with estimated sewer flows revised to reflect the 172,000 gallon reduction — including a key spreadsheet with theoretical flows for development projects already approved or currently under construction, as well as pending and expected applications.

The bottom line? The total estimated flows — even if the WPCA approved all of the pending applications and those it expects to receive in the near future — would be roughly 610,000 gallons per day. That’s below the 650,000 limit in the current contractual agreement with Norwalk.

“This is very interesting and a critical conversation,” WPCA Chair/First Selectman Toni Boucher said. “Given the numbers Frank has given us, we actually have [four applications] all able to be approved for additional capacity. We do have the capacity.”

Her fellow WPCA members agreed, and voted unanimously to approve the sewer applications, subject to conditions, for:

Boucher noted that the latest flow projections do come “within 40,000 gallons of our limit of 650,000” — leaving “a little wiggle room” but not necessarily a comfortable margin.

“That is why the discussions with Norwalk are still a priority and still something we absolutely have to pursue,” she said.

Smeriglio also added a note of caution.

“Remember, we’re not [in] the clear. We’re still below the [650,000], but you have the right to protect that value,” Smeriglio told the WPCA.

19 Cannon Rd.

Though not discussed during the meeting, GMW observed the “miscellaneous” projects in Smeriglio’s flow calculations included 19 Cannon Rd., a 2022 application for a 70-unit apartment complex in Cannondale that was denied by the Town. However, the applicant sued the Town — and won.

In a May 24 decision, the court found the WPCA’s decision to reject the application — which would have involved extending the sewer line from Danbury Rd. to the 19 Cannon Rd. property — was “not supported by substantial evidence, and was arbitrary”.

The judge ordered the matter to be returned to the WPCA for approval, but the Town is appealing the court’s decision. The WPCA did not discuss the matter in its June or July public meetings.

Nonetheless, based on Smeriglio’s latest calculations, it appears the Town is planning for the possibility of having to approve the proposed sewer extension 19 Cannon Rd., with an allocation of roughly 8,000 gallons per day. The outcome of the litigation could have an impact on future development in the Cannondale Village area, which the POCD identified as an area for potential sewer growth.

More WPCA News

The WPCA denied another application for 440 Danbury Rd, which also has frontage on Cannon Rd. After seeking the advice of legal counsel as well as Wilton’s Health Department, the WPCA concluded that an expansion of the property’s septic system would be sufficient and preferable to the lateral sewer connection sought by the applicant.

The WPCA heard from an engineer representing a potential applicant for 118 Old Ridgefield Rd. in Wilton Center. Documents posted on the Town website show a proposed 24-unit apartment building (also in pre-application review by the Planning and Zoning Commission). Smeriglio is reviewing the plans and the WPCA will consider the application at a future date.