Town weighs partnership to take ownership of MCI wastewater plant as part of broader wastewater capacity planning

Public works staff told the commission Jan. 8 they are evaluating an offer from the Massachusetts Department of Capital Asset Management (DCAM) to transfer ownership of the MCI wastewater treatment facility, and that the town must complete due diligence to understand costs, liabilities and potential benefits.

Staff said DCAM’s offer could increase municipal control of wastewater capacity and reduce a constraint on downtown growth and MBTA-related development. Alan (staff member) said the town has until Feb. 24 to indicate interest and that staff are performing an independent assessment of the facility’s condition, capital‑needs and operational implications for the town. Staff stressed the importance of understanding whether the facility might become a long‑term cost sink and that any transfer would include negotiations about who carries which costs and responsibilities.

Commissioners and staff discussed the potential to operate two facilities in tandem (the town’s existing wastewater plant plus the MCI facility) to redistribute flow and increase overall capacity, and they noted redevelopment discussions for the MCI campus and possible shared benefits such as a new public works facility. Staff said the matter is being coordinated with the Select Board, the town manager’s office and relevant advisory groups; the public works department is focusing on the wastewater technical and operational elements while the Select Board will oversee redevelopment conversations.

No final decision was taken at the meeting; staff said they will continue due diligence and work with DCAM and will report back with more detailed financial and operational findings.