Committee advances Keating-funded waterline work after resident reports contaminated wells

At a town water committee meeting, members discussed using federal Keating grants and a $300,000 state PFAS allocation to extend water mains and address localized well contamination after homeowner Randy Bridal told the panel his well tested "not suitable for human consumption."

Roger, the town staff member leading the Keating project update, said the design for Keating 1 is essentially complete, the state highway access permit has been submitted to MassDOT and the project team expects final comments by July 9. "Now we're at a total of 49 confirmed," Roger said, referring to private service connections already completed, which he quantified as roughly 29% of the total eligible properties.

The committee heard that the Briggs Road base work is expected to be the first and largest component of Keating 1 and that the project will be bid with alternates so the town can select additional neighborhood segments if bids permit. Roger described the planned alternates as: the Arlington Avenue neighborhood as alternate 1, Elmwood/Oakland Loop as alternate 2, and further Glenwood/Glenwood Avenue extensions as alternate 3. He also noted an estimated Briggs Road cost near $850,000 that could limit funds for neighborhood connections.

Roger reported recent water sampling at 85 Briggs Road, the fire station, found PFAS above the state threshold and elevated manganese; MassDEP has allocated $300,000 toward mitigation work there. "It's over the threshold for the PFAS at the fire station," Roger said, adding that the town has updated its application and forwarded documentation for EPA review.

During public comment, Randy Bridal, who identified himself as the owner of a home on South Berault/Broad Street, described tests at his property that showed his household water "not suitable for human consumption," said neighbors have had positive tests for contaminants including lead, and said the situation is a health and financial hardship. "We use paper plates, paper cups," Bridal said, describing the constraints faced by his daughter with multiple sclerosis.

Committee members discussed whether to make South Berault (also spelled Berryman/Berriman in the record) an early alternate or to seek an amendment to the existing Route 6 MassDOT permit to add roughly 350 feet to reach that neighborhood. The Chair summarized the committee27s immediate tasks as: 1) ask staff to check with MassDOT about amending the current permit to cover the 350-foot extension; and 2) research whether combining Keating 1 and Keating 2 or prioritizing Keating 2 work could accelerate service to affected houses.

The committee also moved and approved the RFQ subcommittee minutes after a public procurement update that said the town received one responsive proposal from the firm already performing design work and that the select board authorized negotiation of a contract with that firm. Members discussed timing for bids (documents expected in September) and a 2026 construction window with some finish work in the following spring.

Members agreed to reconvene after staff follows up with MassDOT and refines bid alternatives; the committee discussed meeting in July (target dates discussed included July 22 and July 29) to review permitting and design research before the September bid schedule.

Procedural actions during the meeting included approval of the April 29 minutes and later a separate vote to approve the RFQ subcommittee minutes; the meeting adjourned after a motion and second.

Next steps: staff will research MassDOT permit amendment options, refine the list of alternates for the Keating bids, and present updated findings at a July meeting.