Taunton panel approves sewer upgrade for Willow Terrace mobile home park; adds generator-noise condition

The Taunton Conservation Commission on Feb. 10 approved a Request for Determination of Applicability from the owner of Willow Terrace Mobile Home Park to install a low-pressure sewer force main to replace multiple failing cesspools, and added a special condition requiring noise mitigation for a backup generator.

The commission took up the Willow Terrace filing after hearing a project overview from Eric Dias, a registered professional engineer with Strong Point Engineering, who told the panel the plan would abandon existing septic systems, install a series of gravity lines and force mains, and include four pump stations feeding the municipal sewer on Waverly Street. Dias said the work can be phased so portions can be put in service sequentially, and that the project will include erosion controls and stockpiling procedures to limit impacts near resource areas.

Michelle, speaking for commission staff, reported that the filing (DSC 1361) covers installation of a low-pressure sewer force main system to replace multiple failing cesspools for the park’s roughly 75 units. She recommended a negative determination with the commission’s standard special conditions (1–8, 14, 18, 19), noting the project will occur primarily within existing disturbed areas and that “they are allowed as it is a utility project, which will greatly improve the health and safety of the residents as well as the groundwater and resource areas.”

Resident Mark Levesque, who said he lives at 30 Russell Street and has lived “there for 57 years,” told the commission he supported the project but asked whether the property would remain a mobile home park. Levesque also asked about the location and potential noise from a backup generator sited near Willow Terrace; engineer Eric Dias and project representatives said the generator would operate only during power outages and would include acoustic screening.

At the resident’s request, the commission added a special condition that requires verification of noise levels after generator installation and mandates additional noise mitigation (for example, acoustic screening or insulation) if the unit proves disruptive. The commission then voted to issue the requested negative determination with the staff-recommended special conditions and the added generator noise condition.

Project timing remains contingent on approvals outside the commission’s jurisdiction. Dias said the project team had submitted materials to the city for a sewer extension and was awaiting formal comments from Veolia; he said work is expected to start “as soon as weather permits,” with a target of mid-April if external reviews are complete.

The commission recorded the action as a negative determination (DSC 1361) with the attached special conditions and the added generator-noise requirement.