WPCA approves 119-unit Ferry Boulevard sewer connection after capacity questions

The Stratford Water Pollution Control Authority voted unanimously Jan. 27 to allow the proposed 119-unit apartment development at 382 Ferry Boulevard to connect to the town sewer system after a detailed presentation by the town engineer and questions from board members.

Town Engineer Mr. Casey told the authority the project reflects a zoning approval for two buildings totaling 119 dwelling units and described both the average and peak flow estimates the development would contribute to the sewer system. He said the plant’s average-day design flow is 11.1 million gallons per day and noted the board uses a seven-year spring average (about 9.5 million gallons per day) when reviewing capacity concerns. “Our average day design flow is 11.1 mgd,” Mr. Casey said.

Councilman William Boyd and other members pressed for context, asking whether continued apartment construction could exhaust spare capacity before the next comprehensive planning study. “I don’t think our planning could wait that long,” Councilman Boyd said, arguing that a shift from single-family homes to multi-unit apartments changes long-range demand.

Mr. Casey responded that while each individual development is unlikely to “break the bank” on system capacity, cumulative growth and existing inflow-and-infiltration issues mean the town will need to evaluate capacity in a future planning study. He said the authority evaluates proposed connections on a case-by-case basis and that peak storm conditions — not average flows — are the occasions when the plant may be strained.

The authority approved the connection after confirming the unit count and hearing that one member recused himself from votes on the application because of a prior relationship with the builder.

Votes at a glance: the WPCA also approved (all motions passed unanimously unless noted) a $5,340 contract amendment for environmental testing on the flood wall project; connections for two small townhouse-style developments on Hillside and Edmond streets (net increase of five units); permission to connect 14 studio apartments previously proposed as first-floor retail; authorization to subordinate a town sewer easement to an EPA environmental land-use restriction at 170 Beacon Point Road; confirmation of Elizabeth Cameron as recording secretary; election of Phil Young as chair; approval of the 2026 meeting calendar; and adjournment.

The board said it will continue to require flow data from applicants and to address capacity more broadly in future planning work; no immediate system upgrades were directed at the meeting.