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Select Board begins negotiations with state on MCI Concord property; wastewater plant capacity flagged
Summary
The Select Board reviewed a DCAM letter starting negotiations on conveyance of the MCI Concord site and the wastewater treatment plant, and directed staff to analyze plant capacity, permits, and capital needs before responding to the state.
The Select Board received a letter from the Massachusetts Division of Capital Asset Management (DCAM) initiating negotiations on conveyance of the MCI Concord property, which includes the town—s potential transfer of the wastewater treatment plant.
Chair Mary Hartman said the inclusion of the treatment plant in the conveyance was a major benefit of the MCI closing, but stressed the town needs engineering analysis before accepting ownership. Board members noted the plant—s permitted capacity is approximately 310,000 gallons per day and asked how much additional demand the conversion of on-site uses (prison farm and a potential police barracks) would add. Board discussion estimated the added demand could be roughly 60,000—80,000 gpd depending on final programing, representing a significant share of current permitted capacity.
Town Manager and staff were directed to pull together technical resources (including town engineering and outside consultants) to evaluate current plant condition, capacity, real estate conveyance details, permitting transferability and projected investment needs. The board set an internal response target to DCAM of Feb. 25, 2025 and asked staff to seek an extension if more time is needed.
Board members emphasized both the opportunity and the risks: conveyance could help address the town—s wastewater constraints but could also carry substantial capital and permitting obligations. The board signaled it will not make a decision until it has full cost and technical information for the plant and associated assets.
