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Wastewater committee explores reusing treated effluent to irrigate town golf course; SVT to review conservation restrictions
Summary
Southborough’s wastewater study committee briefed the Conservation Commission and Sudbury Valley Trustees on an exploratory plan to reuse treated wastewater for golf course irrigation and off‑season subsurface discharge, subject to legal and technical review of the conservation restriction and state permitting.
The Select Board’s wastewater study committee presented a preliminary proposal to reuse treated wastewater to irrigate Southborough Country Club’s course and to use on‑site subsurface dispersion outside the irrigation season. Al Hamilton, chair of the wastewater study committee, described reuse as a way to avoid using potable drinking water for irrigation and said the idea is in very early, grant‑funding and feasibility stages.
Kristen and an SVT representative attended to note that the golf course is subject to a conservation restriction held by SVT and that the CR allows irrigation but prohibits buildings; SVT will have its attorney review CR language. Committee members said technical and legal reviews are required, including hydrogeologic testing, DEP/MEPA permitting, and consultation about potential contaminants such as PFAS. Al Hamilton said the committee had engaged Weston & Sampson and referenced other local examples; he emphasized the concept is exploratory, and any future design would use licensed operators and extensive monitoring.
No formal decision was requested; the commission and SVT agreed to continue discussions, seek town‑counsel guidance about CR limits, and evaluate auditability of reuse with respect to state and federal water quality standards. Commissioners noted the policy question implicates long‑term stewardship of golf‑course land and the CR’s stated intent to support habitat certification in the future.
