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Harwich explores joint DPW and water/wastewater facility; West & Sampson to finalize site and program
Summary
Town administration engaged Weston & Sampson to study options for a combined DPW and water/wastewater operations/storage facility; staff will finalize programming, evaluate site alternatives (Queen Anne site, landfill), and produce schematic designs and cost estimates to inform capital planning.
Town Administrator Jay told the Select Board Monday that the town has hired Weston & Sampson to complete a feasibility study for a facility that could handle DPW operations and the water/wastewater department's storage and operational needs.
Why it matters: water/wastewater staff said DEP rules prohibit storage of wastewater vehicles in Zone I areas, creating an operational constraint at the current site. A joint facility could solve space and compliance problems and may help streamline capital requests, but site selection, programming and regulatory constraints are unresolved.
What the study will do: Weston & Sampson has completed kickoff meetings and is finalizing department interviews and programming (scheduled July 15). The firm will develop multiple site alternatives, produce conceptual floor plans and a project cost estimate, and identify whether a joint facility (operations and storage) or a split approach is the better fit. The town aims to have materials available for the capital cycle and potential town meeting consideration next spring, although final timing remains tentative.
Board response and next steps: commissioners and board members endorsed a collaborative approach and requested the water/wastewater commission be fully engaged as programming and site alternatives are refined. Staff said open houses and tours of existing facilities will be scheduled so the public can see operations constraints and the study team can gather input.
Status and timeline: staff expect programming and initial site alternatives in mid‑July and a final feasibility report and schematic materials before the November capital planning cycle if schedules permit.
