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Sewer plant construction underway; Planning Board hears update on permits, funding and pump station contract
Summary
Town officials told the Planning Board that the new sewer plant construction has started, permitting and sampling are ongoing for groundwater issues, and state funding paperwork was restored to avoid jeopardizing low‑interest financing; one pump station contract remained unresolved but officials expect a fall 2025 start.
Planning Board members received a detailed update on the town’s wastewater program: the contractor has mobilized and construction of the new sewer plant is underway, but permitting and contract work remain active.
A board representative said the contractor has mobilized and “the sewer plant's under construction.” Board members discussed a discrepancy between the state’s current permit (370,000 gallons) and the planned Phase 1 capacity (1.9 million gallons), and noted ongoing coordination with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and town consultants to address discharge and groundwater issues.
Nut graf: Town staff and consultants are working with DEP on test sampling and monitoring at Bayberry and other sites to address groundwater and discharge capacity; the short‑term funding concern raised two weeks earlier was resolved when state officials agreed to restore the contracts under the 2023 SRF (State Revolving Fund) umbrella, preserving low‑interest financing for the project.
The board heard that one contract (Contract 6, which includes a pump station) had not yet been awarded because of unresolved issues, but town officials and consultants remained optimistic a fall 2025 start would be possible. Board members also discussed state restrictions that prevent use of gray water for irrigation in Massachusetts, which ruled out one potential local reuse option.
Ending: Town officials said they will continue public outreach through a hotline and monthly meetings; the Planning Board asked to be kept informed of any changes that could affect hookup schedules or funding timelines.
