O & M revenues totaled $5.91 million during 2025. The Industrial contribution was 50.08%, Residential 29.84% and Trucked/Pumped waste 20.08%. The industrial sewer effective rate increased by 3.0% while residential rate increased by 3.8%. Use of $470,000 from the Rate Stabilization Reserve Fund helped to minimize the rate increase.

Belt Filter Presses operated 3,640 hours producing 18,286 wet tons of sludge. Fulton County Department of Solid Waste received $621,877 to accept the sludge.

The Dairy Industry accounted for 50.91% of the total O & M revenue collected. Combined, FAGE USA Dairy Industry, Inc. and Euphrates Inc. pumped a total of 29.3 million gallons of whey to the Anaerobic Digester and 222.2 million gallons of washwater to the Contact Adsorption Settling Thickening (CAST) system for processing via two dedicated pipelines.

The foundation of GJJWTF’s success is the support of the Gloversville-Johnstown Joint Sewer Board (GJJSB) and the work of its twenty-eight (28) employees. The conscientious efforts by all GJJWTF employees on days, nights, weekends, holidays, during severe weather, and often in an inhospitable environment, the facility continues to operate and meet its wastewater discharge SPDES permit requirements.

The employee names (as of 12/31/25) are as follows:

PERSONNEL

2025 Joint Sewer Board  Members

• Chair - Christopher Vose  
• Vice Chair - Bobbi Trudel
• Secretary -  Eric Parker
• Board members - Michael Stover, John Rizzo and Deanna Hitchcock  

Licensed Operators

One (1) NYSDEC Grade 4A licensed Chief Operator
Two (2) NYSDEC Grade 3A licensed Wastewater Treatment Operators

New Hires

Anthony Bartlett, WWTP Operator Trainee
Andrew Walrath, WWTP Maintenance Mechanic
Brandon Smith, WWTP Operator Trainee
Martin Mammarelli, WWTP Operator Trainee
Derek Ricciardi, WWTP Maintenance Mechanic
Jenna Ward, Laboratory Technician

Left Employment

Anthony Bartlett, WWTP Operator Trainee
Andrew Walrath, WWTP Maintenance Mechanic
Aaron Tubbs, WWTP Operator Trainee
Richard Pedrick, WWTP Operator

Retirements

Barbara Allen, Laboratory Technician

Four (4) employees utilized one (1) sick day or less during 2025. The names of those employees are as follows:

Christopher VanAuken (0-days),
Harry Brand
Bruce Gardner
Robert Yaggle

Work Related Injuries
In 2025 the facility experienced three (3) reportable injuries, two (2) of which resulted in Lost Time.

• An Employee fell while cleaning the Belt Presses, twisting his knee requiring it to be immobilized and restricting duty.
• An Employee fell while descending the stairs in the Sludge Building, resulting in a strained back, requiring his removal from duty.

NYSDEC Compliance

• January 15, 2025, the facility experienced an Effluent Total Copper permit exceedance, with a concentration result of 18 micrograms/liter, while the limit is 17 micrograms/liter.
• January 26, 2025, the facility experienced an Effluent composite sampler malfunction, resulting in insufficient sample to conduct the required effluent analysis (CBOD, TSS & TKN)
• April 9, 2025, the facility experienced an Effluent Total Copper permit exceedance, with a concentration result of 18 micrograms/liter, while the limit is 17 micrograms/liter.
• March 6, 2025, the facility experienced an Effluent Cyanide, Free permit exceedance, with a concentration result of 7.1 micrograms/liter, while the limit is 6.6 micrograms/liter, and pounds per day with 0.58 lbs/day result, while the limit is 0.55 lbs/day.
• June 6, 2025, the facility issued a NY-Alert for a surging Manhole (MH100) on the corner of Mason St. and N. Market St, during an extreme wet weather event.
• June 12, 2025, the facility issued a NY-Alert for a Forced Whey Line leak on Venture Ave which supports FAGE, whey flow was secured and the leak was repaired.
• July 23, 2025, the facility received the WET analysis report for the test period 7/8/25 – 7/15/25, the lab report indicates our TUc(IC25repro) = 4.29 for Freshwater Invertebrate, Ceriodaphnia Dubia; the permit Action Level is 1.3 for the period June – August. Email notification was made to NYSDEC which included the report. NYSDEC has indicated no further action at this time, but following a complete review of the report, the facility may be required to conduct additional WET testing
• August 13, 2025 the facility received the WET analysis report for the test period 8/5/25 – 8/11/25, the lab report indicates our TUc(IC25repro) = 21.2 for Freshwater Invertebrate, Ceriodaphnia Dubia; the permit Action Level is 1.3 for the period June – August. Email notification was made to NYSDEC which included the report. NYSDEC has indicated no further action at this time, but following a complete review of the report, the facility may be required to conduct additional WET testing
•  August 4, 2025, the facility experienced an Effluent Total Copper permit exceedance, with a concentration result of 30 micrograms/liter, while the limit is 17 micrograms/liter.
• October 31, 2025, the facility failed to perform Mercury sample in the DMR reporting period of August – October, which does not coincide with the SPDES Permit seasonal quarters, resulting in a Notice of Violation.
• December 16, 2025, received notification from NYSDEC indicating that an additional year of Chronic testing using only the more sensitive invertebrate species is required at Outfall 001 due to the July & August 2025 test failure. The required testing must occur in the months of June, July, August, September and October.

Odor Complaints
Two (4) odor complaints reported in 2025.

• April 28, 2025 @ 7:37 pm, complaint made to the facility by a resident living near the Sammonsville Fire Department on Route 67, Johnstown. No specific source of the odor was identified. Odor subsided around 10:30 pm.
• June 25, 2025 @ 9:20 pm, complaint made to the facility by a S. Melcher Street, Johnstown city resident. Odors occurred following heavy rain events causing an excessive amount of leachate received from the landfill, but no specific source could be identified.
• August 13, 2025 @ 9:08 pm, complaint made to the facility by a S. Melcher Street, Johnstown city resident. No specific source of the odor was identified.
• October 15, 2025 @ 8:06 am, complaint was from Benjamin Moore & Co, located approximately ¼ mile from the facility, the complaint was made to the EHSS Manager by an employee on 2nd shift between 2:00 and 10:00 pm, no further information was provided. No specific source of the odor was identified.

RMMI,LLC dba Spa Septic Tank Co.
Rentals to Go

None

1. Continued to work through the historical problem of the process control fiber communication network (SCADA) lack of reliability and limited records. General Control Systems has completed a complete network review and produced a network diagram documenting the current SCADA Network arrangement, awaiting a proposal to upgrade current network switches to establish a virtual ring bus and isolate the Wi-Fi network from the controls network.

2. March 29, 2025, Cogen #1 experienced a major Exciter failure, resulting in the replacement of the Exciter and Permanent Magnate Generator (PMG). During the Exciter replacement it was noted that the Generator keyway was worn, a temporary repair was completed on the keyway, to be addressed at next Out of Frame Overhaul.

3. On May 18, 2025, Johnstown Fire Department responded to the facility at 2 A.M. The fire department completed a full review of the site and confirmed that it was a false alarm, facility staff disabled the Blower Building, which was still in alarm and not resetting, to prevent further calls. Fault was found in DAFT Building. Replaced the heat detector in DAFT Building. System is back to normal operation except for a fault on rooftop strobe that is still under investigation.

4. May 2025, Siemens air scrubber taken out of service for full cleaning and replacement of scrubber media. pH probe replaced and installed new pressure gauges. System is back in service. The cleaning and media replacement immediately resulted in the air quality to be greatly improved in the Gravity Belt Thickener Room, which it supports.

5. June 12, 2025, Facility with support from Johnstown DPW excavated the FAGE Forced Whey Line to complete a repair of the 4-inch HDPE line, which failed resulting in a Whey leak. Temporary repair made with clamp on the day leak was identified and permanent repair completed the next day.

6. June 19, 2025, The lighting transformer that supports the entire Sludge Building failed and required replacement to restore all low voltage supply to the building. High Voltage Electrical Service was contracted to complete the emergency replacement. To meet current electrical code a new transformer was installed external to the electrical switchgear and required the installation of two fused disconnects, all work completed and electrical service restored to the Sludge Building.

7. June 26, 2025, Facility worked with Precision Industrial to conduct camera inspection of the Trunkline in the area of Man-Hole #100 which experienced a surge during a wet weather event, inspection found significant root obstruction in the line down stream of MH#100, which is the likely cause of the surge of MH#100. Jetting is being scheduled to remove root obstruction.

8. July, 2025, Cogen #3 has historically had issues with water jacket temperature during the summer period, which needed to be investigated. Investigation found that the Jacket Water thermocouple was not properly installed, it was backed out years prior to help with temperature issue. While properly installing the Jacket Water thermocouple checked it for proper operation, determining it required replacement and replacing it. CAT recommended that the secondary loop thermostats be changed to 210 F from 230 F, ordered and installed new 210-degree thermostats for the secondary loop. Opened the primary loop thermostat to confirm thermostats were removed, as believed. Found all four installed, and severely damaged, removed damaged thermostats. Operated Cogen #3 at full load and found all temperatures are in normal range. Will order the required parts to support conducting the same for Cogen #1 and #2.

9. August 26, 2025, Facility worked with Precision Industrial to conduct jetting of the Trunk Line between MH#100 & MH#99, once Precision acquired a new carriage to support the jet to efficiently remove the root structure in the large diameter line.

   

10. September 15, 2025- The Sulfatreat H2S Scrubber was taken offline for media replacement. The vessel was isolated, vented off and filled with water to soak for at least 24hrs prior to cover removal per OEM procedures. The spent media was removed with support of Precision Industrial. Millers Crane was on site to load 24 bags of media (approx. 790cu/ft) to the vessel, once placed in service H2S readings post Sulfur Treat were 0.0.

11. October 16, 2025, Cogen #1 experienced a second major Exciter failure, with the same failure mode as the March failure. Decision made to remove Cogen #1 and send out for a complete Generator inspection and repair, and Engine Main Bearing change out. Generator inspection found the Generator Rotor had unacceptable runout, which would have resulted in excessive vibration and likely resulted in the Exciter Failure. Cogen #1 is anticipated to be returned to site in late January 2026.

    

12. October 22, 2025 – Prime Automation on site to investigate the connection between opening 52-GM and shutting down Cogen #3, investigation found old logic still in place where 52-GM is an input to the Master Shutdown which shuts down all Cogen engines. This logic was revised and now if 52-GM opens it shuts down Cogen # 1 & 2, and 52-G3M if opened will shut down Cogen #3.

13. November 21, 2025, High Voltage Electric Services & National Grid on site to install High Side (69 kV)Metering Potential Transformers (PTs) & Current Transformers (CTs) as required per National Grid metering standards and complete the High Accident restoration project. The installation also required installation of a new bridge in the high yard structure. To support this work, the National Grid Utility line was required to be taken out of service and facility Cogens secured. The facility power requirements were supported by the two EDGs, back feeding the plant from the 650kw EDG. It was discovered that when back feeding, the diesel generator had to be taken out of “auto” and put in “run” because the generator could not distinguish its power from the grids, in auto the ABT attempted to transfer to normal utility power.

14. November 24, 2025 - Milton Cat & Woodward controls vendor (MSHS) on site to investigate Cogen #3 instability and potentially tune the engine mapping. It was determined that the throttle plate actuator servo needed to be replaced, which was suspect and a replacement was ordered prior and brought to site by Milton Cat. The actuator was replaced and Cogen #3 was returned to service. The engine seems to run smoother and synchronized very quickly as compared to how it has historically.

At the request of NYSERDA the agreement has been amended with a termination date of 12/31/2025 and revising the Measurement & Verification (M&V) data for performance years. Working with L&S Energy Services all remaining M&V performance years have been paid per NYSERDA grant disbursement requirements.

During the amendment process it was identified that the facility never received Capacity Incentive Payment CIP 2 – 6, potentially totaling $771,162. NYSERDA is indicating the facility failed to satisfy the 2nd CIP requirements, given NYSERDA funding was also received for upgrades made to satisfy the 2nd CIP requirement, specifically the CAST upgrade. While the agreement’s termination date is 12/31/25, the agreement is being held open, as we continue to work through this issue, and have provided additional information to support the facility satisfying the CIP requirements. Currently awaiting NYSERDA feedback/determination.

NBT Bank purchased a 285-day BAN in the amount of $1,120,000 at 3.65%, being offered by the City of Gloversville on behalf of GJJWTF to fund the Slope Stabilization Project prior to going out for Bond.

The City of Johnstown was awarded the Engineering Planning Grant No. 2305 for GJJWTF Biosolids Handling Assessment in the amount not to exceed $50,000 for the development of the proposed engineering report, requiring matching funds of $10,000.

COMPLIANCE MONITORING AND TESTING

Completed annual reviews of the following lab manuals:

Laboratory Quality Manual
Laboratory Test Method SOP Manual
Monitoring Field Activities SOP Manual
Administrative and Quality Procedures SOP

POTW sludge that was hauled to GJJWTF during 2025 was analyzed for T. Metals, T. Phosphorus, TKN, Ammonia and % moisture.

A BFP cake blend was sent out on 2/5/25 for a full TCLP analysis.

New QC limits for all parameters analyzed at GJJWTF were calculated in-house by lab director.

Lab continues to periodically scan industries for priority pollutants. Any pollutant listed in an industrial wastewater discharge permit will be sampled at minimum twice per year. The lab collected all the WET and microtox test samples that were required for 2025 and delivered them to the Aquatox Research lab located in Syracuse NY for testing.

Lab Director calculated the annual Minimum Detection Limits (MDL) requirement for NH3 and dissolved Sulfide.

Laboratory staff calibrated GJJWTF’s three 4-gas confined space meters monthly. Lab Director will re-zero two other H2S meters used for process control analysis of monitoring H2S in the digester gas.

Completed the 2025 annual NYS DOH ELAP internal laboratory audit.

NYS DOH has performed its bi-annual onsite assessment of GJJWTF’s ELAP certified laboratory. The corrective actions submitted by GJJWTF addressing ELAP’s findings have been accepted.

The following PT sampling results submitted during 2025 were found to be acceptable: BOD, CBOD, TSS, TKN, NH3, Dissolved Sulfide, Settleable Solids, and Fecal Coliform.

Submitted annual DMR QA 45 to EPA. During January 2025, PT scores submitted by GJJWTF and any other subcontracted lab PT score make up an annual DMR QA study. Aquatox Research Inc. received an unacceptable PT score for: Ceriodaphnia Chronic MHSF - Reproduction IC25. Aquatox’s required corrective action has been submitted and was found to be acceptable.

EPA is requiring an annual industrial Pretreatment Program Report (PPR) to replace the semiannual reporting requirement currently listed in GJJWTF’s SPDES permit. The 2025 annual report is being prepared for EPA using the electronic reporting CDX platform. The Lab Director and Manager of Wastewater Programs positions will both be listed as signatories.

Annual ethics and data integrity training of all lab and monitoring personnel took place during December 2025.

Submitted Mercury Minimization Plan to NYDEC in March of 2025. This plan contains quarterly SPDES required low-level mercury analysis on plant effluent and any other activities that GJJWTF takes part in to minimize Hg from entering the treatment facility’s waste stream.

All industrial and facility flow meters checked for accuracy throughout the year.

The following annual contracts have been maintained throughout 2025:
Evoqua: reagent water services
Mettler Toledo: analytical balance calibrations
TransCat: NIST thermometer verification,
Adirondack Environmental, Aquatox Research Inc.: outside lab services.
FOSS USA: FOSS care annual PM kit installation - visit with tech support.

Issued permits to 10 industries in Johnstown and 9 industries in Gloversville for 2025.

Semi-annual TTO notarized responses from industries categorized as metal finishers have been received. Epimed International, Inc. and Lippert components explain in writing that to the best of their knowledge no TTO has been discharged.

Seven Notice of Violations were issued to industries during 2025. Three industries have been identified as being in Significant Non-Compliance during 2025. As a result, GJJWTF is required to list these industries as being in SNC in the local newspaper. The Leader Herald published an industrial SNC article in January 2026.

Historically. the total flow of Influent wastewater to the Plant is relatively constant.