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Select board hears sewer program timeline: phase 2 connections, phase 3 construction on Route 28
Summary
Public works director Rich Waldo told the board phase 2 connectors have received notices to connect (one‑year compliance window), Phase 3 construction bids are in with SRF financing and construction on Route 28 is slated to start this September; the town plans informational meetings for property owners and will set betterment units after final costs.
Rich Waldo, director of public works, gave a detailed update on Orleans’ multi‑phase wastewater program and the next schedule for construction and homeowner connections.
Waldo said the Board of Health issued notices to connect for phase 2 (Meeting House Pond area) and property owners have one year to make the required connections. “They’re given one year to connect,” he said, adding that most upcoming work in that area will be on private property as contractors complete stub connections.
Waldo said phase 3 — covering Route 28 from the Thompson Road intersection to the Ares Lane area — went out to bid, that SRF financing is in place, and that construction is expected to begin in September. He warned residents that “there will be a lot of construction right outside their doorstep” and said the town will hold informational sessions for property owners in phase 3 on what to expect and how betterment assessments will be calculated.
On longer‑term planning, Waldo said preliminary design for phase 4 has been approved. He noted the plan lists 16 phases overall but stressed the comprehensive plan is amendable if the town can secure alternative nitrogen‑reduction credits through stormwater or marsh attenuation projects.
Board members and residents pressed about connection costs; one resident described paying nearly $20,000 for a hookup elsewhere and urged ways to reduce costs. Waldo acknowledged the concern and said the town is trying to remove inspection and documentation costs where possible and to advise property owners to seek multiple contractor bids.
Next steps: Phase 3 informational meetings for property owners are expected in September; the town will finalize betterment units after construction closeout and cost accounting.
