Binghamton Lawmakers to Question Veolia Rep on Sewage Plant Deal

Action on a controversial sewage treatment plant contract has been delayed to allow members of Binghamton city council to obtain more information.

Mayor Richard David last month announced that Veolia would be hired to audit maintenance operations at the Binghamton-Johnson City Joint Sewage Treatment Plant.

The company would receive more than $66,000 to conduct the review.

Some opponents of the plan have criticized the proposal, citing Veolia's involvement in construction work at the Vestal facility and its record in connection with the lead water crisis in Flint, Michigan.

City council had scheduled a special meeting for Monday to vote on the Veolia contract. But council president Sophia Resciniti Friday afternoon announced that session has been canceled.

In a statement, Resciniti said a Veolia representative has been invited to an April 19 work session to answer questions from councilmembers.

People opposed to the Veolia deal say they intend to protest the plan at the sewage treatment plant on Vestal Road from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday.