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Developer proposes private sewer extension; commission asks for flow estimates and drawings
Summary
A developer seeking to serve a proposed subdivision asked the commission to allow a private sewer extension and to accept purchased frontage or private construction; commissioners asked for projected gallons‑per‑day, a sketch, and review by the town engineer due before the next meeting.
A Charlton resident and developer identified in the meeting as Mister Blair asked the Water‑Sewer Commission on March 5 to consider a private sewer extension for a proposed subdivision, offering to either buy frontage on the town sewer line or construct a private line that would include stubs for neighboring properties.
Mister Blair described a plan to build a private sewer line that would remain private to the project and be maintained by a homeowners association. He said a full buildout of the subdivision would generate "14,000 gallons a day" and that individual four‑bedroom homes average about 200 gallons per day each, though he also discussed Title 5 peak‑flow calculations used for septic design. "It's 14,000 gallons a day at full build out," Mister Blair said.
Commissioners requested technical information before considering the request. Chair Dave told Mister Blair to provide a written proposal that includes the requested gallons‑per‑day estimate, a breakdown between new flows and connections that might occur along the route, and a simple drawing showing the proposed alignment. Chair Dave said the commission would consult Vinny, the town sewer operator, and "ask some initial questions of Vinnie" and, if needed, consult consulting engineer Chris McClure.
Commissioner Russ noted a town planning threshold the commission uses for internal review: the project’s claimed flow "is still over the 10,000 gallon per day that we have," and that figure will affect whether additional town review is required. Commissioners also raised equity concerns: sending out a 2024 letter had warned betterment payers that paying a betterment did not guarantee space in the town system. Commissioner Gagner asked about the impact on residents who previously paid betterments.
Mister Blair agreed to prepare the requested materials. The commission told him to submit study materials "at least a week, 10 days prior to our next meeting" for inclusion on the agenda; commissioners scheduled a follow‑up slot for the April 9 meeting.
