Charlton commission declines immediate sewer tie‑in for Curtis Hill proposal, cites treatment limits

The Town of Charlton Water & Sewer Commission on July 9 declined to grant immediate permission for a proposed development on Curtis Hill to tie into the town sewer system, saying the wastewater treatment plant is at or above its ability to treat the strength of incoming waste.

The developer, Cleveland Blair, told the commission his plan would use E/1 grinder pumps and argued the proposed connection — including leaving laterals for houses along the route — would be less environmentally disruptive than individual septic systems. Blair said the project could serve roughly 50 equivalent four‑bedroom houses if fully developed and that, by his estimate, a four‑bedroom house would contribute about 200 gallons per day to the sewer system (he cited Title 5 design values as comparison during his remarks).

Commissioners pressed Blair for detail on where his proposed force main would cross rights of way and whether it would affect existing pump stations. Commissioners and staff said the plant has flow capacity but is already exceeding its approved loading for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and ammonia — the constituents that most constrain treatment — and that adding new customers would worsen that condition. A 2023 engineering evaluation referenced at the meeting put capital upgrade costs in the roughly $8 million to $10 million range to add treatment capability (the report recommended moving‑bed bioreactor technology to increase treatment capacity). Commissioners said those capital needs must be resolved before the commission can responsibly add new load outside the existing service area.

Commissioners also raised equity and priority concerns: several speakers noted existing properties and homeowners who already have paid betterments but have not yet tied in, and questioned whether capacity should be reserved for those current customers. Multiple commissioners said they would not grant permission for the Curtis Hill tie‑in that evening and urged the applicant to consider septic systems or pursue a broader capital plan that addresses treatment limits.

The commission did not take a formal vote to approve the developer’s tie‑in application at the meeting. Commissioners suggested options going forward: obtain a detailed engineering submission showing proposed flows and tie‑in points, or wait until a townwide capital plan and funding strategy for plant upgrades is in place.

Why this matters: If the plant’s constituent (BOD/ammonia) limits are exceeded, the town could face regulatory violations, permit constraints or the need to invest substantial capital to expand treatment capability. Commissioners said any approval that increases loading should be accompanied by a clear plan for funding and implementing treatment upgrades.

Next steps: Commissioners requested that an applicant or an engineer submit a formal package with a map, anticipated flows and the proposed tie‑in route if Blair wishes to pursue further consideration; they also suggested the commission undertake a capital planning effort to define priorities and funding for plant upgrades.