Scituate council approves RFP for Hope Village sewer feasibility study and agrees to explore wastewater district for Hope Pond

The Scituate Town Council voted to post a new request for proposals to fund a wastewater feasibility study for the Village of Hope and to explore the possible establishment of a wastewater management district for the Hope Pond watershed.

Council discussion traced prior bids (estimates at $87,167 and $94,500), and staff said Jeremiah and Associates had indicated willingness to hold the lower price. Members debated scope — from a single‑village approach to a multi‑town solution that might engage Coventry or West Warwick — and noted a prior, preliminary sewer cost estimate in the range of $16 million to $18 million for a larger district.

Councilors and residents debated who would pay for construction if sewers are pursued. Officials explained that property owners in a sewer district could face assessments or liens to cover their share of capital costs, and warned that homeowners would need to approve district formation in a vote. Councilors repeatedly stressed that the RFP approval was to solicit feasibility proposals, not to commit the town to construction spending.

The council also authorized adding ammonia and surfactant analysis to monthly water‑quality sampling at Hope Pond (not to exceed $550) to better identify whether bacterial contamination stems from human sources (septic systems/cesspools). Conservation Commission members and volunteers said targeted testing will help prioritize next steps and improve grant competitiveness.

On the wastewater‑district question, the council voted to “explore” the option and directed staff to gather more information, including examples from nearby towns such as Charlestown, and to report back to the council on identified cesspools, potential enforcement mechanisms, and funding pathways. Multiple councilors emphasized public education and a gradual approach rather than immediate mandatory replacement mandates.