Chris Wilson critiques sewer pump station plan at Yarmouth public meeting

The Town of Yarmouth held a Special Town Meeting on December 9, 2024, to discuss critical issues surrounding the proposed construction of Sewer Pump Station Number 2. The meeting featured two key presentations: the first by Chris Wilson, the property owner affected by the project, and the second by Jeff Colby, the head of the Department of Public Works.

The meeting commenced with a motion to move to Article 2, which was seconded and approved. Chris Wilson then presented his concerns regarding the proposed pump station's location, emphasizing its potential negative impacts on the nearby Cranberry Farm and farm stand. He highlighted issues such as a significant elevation rise that would obstruct views and access, as well as safety concerns for pedestrians and customers, particularly those with disabilities. Wilson criticized the town's plans for not adequately addressing these issues, including the lack of a thorough review by the Conservation Commission.

Following Wilson's presentation, Jeff Colby provided the town's perspective, outlining the wastewater program as a significant environmental improvement initiative aimed at reducing nitrogen pollution. He assured attendees that the project had been designed to meet industry standards and included safeguards to protect the environment and local infrastructure. Colby also addressed concerns about the retaining wall near the proposed site, stating that measures would be taken to monitor and mitigate any potential damage during construction.

The discussion highlighted the tension between the town's infrastructure needs and the interests of local businesses and environmental concerns. The meeting concluded with a call for further dialogue to ensure that the pump station could coexist with the Cranberry Bog operations without compromising safety or environmental integrity. The town plans to continue engaging with stakeholders to address these concerns as the project progresses.