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Bolton commission presses town sewer plan for Bolton Center Road over wetlands concerns
Summary
The Bolton Inland Wetlands Commission reviewed a proposed subsurface sewage disposal system for Bolton Center Road and pressed town engineers on wetland disturbance, pump backup, trenching options and archaeology; no final permit decision was made and review continues next month.
The Bolton Inland Wetlands Commission continued its review of a proposed town center subsurface sewage disposal system for parcels on Bolton Center Road on Nov. 18, with commissioners flagging potential wetlands impacts and asking for more information before a public hearing.
Alyssa Barroso, the town's wetlands agent, presented an updated plan and told the commission the sewer alignment was altered to limit disturbance, adding that "the only disturbance to the wetlands was behind Town Hall." Joseph Dillion, who provided technical details, said the system will require pumping in portions of the network and that most other runs will be gravity-fed.
Chair Ross Lally raised concerns about coordination, permitting and project rework, and asked that the archaeological site/encampment be added to the project map. Lally said he is "concerned with inadvertently draining the wetlands," pressing the project team to clarify construction methods and safeguards.
Member Michael McDonnell pressed staff and the applicant on capacity and resilience: whether the system is sized for growth, tank sizing, backup power and whether on-site testing will be supervised. McDonnell suggested two construction approaches to reduce wetland impacts: a trench-less option or routing the line around sensitive areas, and said he "would like to be on site during the sub surface work." Vice Chair James Loersch raised questions about a six-inch gravity pipe at the pavement edge.
Commissioners discussed whether a wetlands soil scientist is required; Loersch moved to withdraw the need for one but then withdrew his motion after discussion. The panel also debated timing and methods for test borings (winter work, use of auger or bombardier, avoid flush drilling) and whether to hold a hybrid public hearing to permit broader participation.
No permit vote was taken. The commission agreed to continue review at the next meeting after receiving additional information and updated mapping requested by commissioners.
