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Wastewater committee: grease-trap cost falls to businesses unless construction underruns allow town subsidy
Summary
The committee recommended businesses bear grease‑trap installation costs (roughly $10,000 for a 1,000‑gallon unit), but said the select board could consider using project underruns to include grease traps in construction and amortize costs over time if bids come in below estimates.
A wastewater-committee representative updated the select board on North Village and South Village sewer connections and the committee's recommendation on grease traps. The committee said state regulations require certain commercial connections—restaurants, for example—to install grease traps, and that the committee could not find an avenue to directly subsidize those private installation costs.
The committee estimated a 1,000‑gallon grease trap at about $10,000. "So approximately $10,000," the representative said. He explained that if overall construction bids for the wastewater project come in under budget, the select board could elect to include grease-trap separators in the project contract and charge the affected business a higher monthly rate amortized over 15–20 years; otherwise, the expense would remain the responsibility of the private property owner.
The board asked about how many grease traps might be needed (committee estimate: three) and recommended the committee include a clear written recommendation that outlines the funding approach and options for the select board to consider.
