The Peru Gazette

DEC Commissionker Basil Seggos proudly displays a copy of the Lake Champlain Wateshed Implementaation Plan

Dep. Town Supevisor Jim Douglass, Courtney Tetrault, Commissioner Seggos and Peru personnel

Courtney Tetrault explains what the wastewater treatment plant upgrades will accomplish 

By John T Ryan

March 18, 2024 – Ausable Point Campground – New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos was in town today to officially announce the finalization of the Lake Champlain Watershed Implementation Plan and a $1 million water quality improvement grant to the Town of Peru to help fund improvement to its wastewater treatment plant. Deputy Supervisor Jim Douglass, Counselor Eric Duquette, Code Enforcement Officer Bob Guynup, Water-Sewer Parks Superintent Courtney Tetrault, and several water personnel represented the Town of Peru. 

Courtney Tetrault reported receipt of the grant at the town board’s February 24 meeting. Depending on the project’s scope, the estimated project cost ranges from $11 million to just over $25 million. DEC previously awarded Peru grants of $1 million and $1,366,290. Commissioner Seggos said Peru can still apply for grants and long-term low or no-interest loans. Peru is in the process of conducting a household income survey. If household incomes in the water district fall below a certain level, Peru would qualify for no-interest loans. New York also expanded its Community Assistance Teams to help small, rural, and disadvantaged communities access funding. $335 million in grant opportunities are open for applications on the State Environmental Facilities Corporation website.

The Lake Champlain Watershed Implementation Plan identifies potential projects that will significantly reduce the amount of pollutants entering the lake. Since 1995, New York has invested $112 million in State grants and $70 million in low-interest loans to support nearly 300 water quality improvement projects. The Watershed Implementation Plan will hopefully build on that progress.