Planning Board hears multi-utility update on sewer, water mains, electric grid and district energy

Cambridge Planning Board members heard detailed briefings June 10 on sewer and drainage planning, water‑main replacement projects, transmission and distribution plans from Eversource, and Vicinity Energy’s electrification projects in Kendall Square.

Board Chair Mary Flynn opened the utility update, which combined reports from the Department of Public Works (DPW), the Water Department, Eversource, and district‑energy provider Vicinity Energy. Presenters described completed work and projects planned over the next decade, highlighted where city funding supports construction, and answered questions from board members about flood risk, sewer separation, and grid capacity.

The update matters because the projects affect flood risk and water quality, the city’s ability to support new development, and the local transition from fossil fuels to electric heat sources. DPW Commissioner Kathy Watkins told the board the city is pursuing a 10‑year approach to sewer and drainage projects while also operating five‑ and 10‑year plans for sidewalks, streets and lighting. She said a new sidewalk inventory rated about 43% of sidewalks as in good condition, 49% in fair condition and 7% in poor condition; the city also identified more than 3,000 pedestrian ramps that do not meet current accessibility standards and is planning targeted contracts to upgrade ramps.

On combined sewer overflow (CSO) work, DPW described a coordinated plan with the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) and Somerville. Staff said the city has reduced CSO discharge volumes over the last 30 years — about an 85% reduction to the Alewife Brook and a 98% reduction to the Charles River — and is developing a Long‑Term Control Plan that will be drafted by the end of 2025 and finalized by January 2027. The plan will combine sewer separation where feasible, green stormwater infrastructure, inflow and infiltration repairs, storage and conveyance projects. DPW highlighted large projects already under way, including stormwater retention and infiltration measures constructed with new school…