DPW facility geothermal tests favorable; Select Board scheduled follow-ups with boards and committees
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Summary
Town staff reported that preliminary geothermal test-well results at the proposed Public Works site showed limited shallow ledge and suitable bedrock below ~40 feet, a finding that supports feasibility; the Select Board and staff scheduled further outreach to several boards and noted Board of Health oversight for any well drilling.
Acton staff reported to the Select Board on March 17 that initial feasibility work for a proposed Public Works facility at 14 Forest Road yielded encouraging geothermal test results.
Select Board member Dean said preliminary reports from the test wells indicate limited near-surface ledge and outwash deposits, and that bedrock favorable for well installation was encountered at approximately 40 feet. Consultants are analyzing bedrock conductivity and groundwater flow to determine well placement and isolation so wells will not affect one another, officials said. Staff said deeper wells (hundreds of feet) would likely be drilled and that bedrock conditions reduce the need for deep casing in the upper 40 to 60 feet.
Board members discussed groundwater monitoring and noted monitoring wells around the town’s capped landfill. Town staff said the engineering department maintains monitoring for landfill-related wells and that consultants have worked on groundwater monitoring and reporting to state agencies. The town also noted that any wells drilled will use a closed geothermal loop carrying antifreeze solution and will not mix drilling fluids with groundwater; the Board of Health will have jurisdiction over well permitting.
Staff announced upcoming presentations to the Conservation Commission, Planning Board and Council on Aging to review the project, and said the project remains in a holding pattern pending reconciled cost estimates and further engineering work. The Select Board scheduled additional outreach sessions in April.
