Study recommends bringing Charlton's blue tank back online; commissioners seek cost and agreement review

Charlton 94 Commissioners reviewed a Beta hydraulic analysis Dec. 3 that recommends reconnecting the town's blue tank to improve distribution hydraulics and to add mixing and a disinfection booster to limit formation of trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids.

Commissioner Eric Groton summarized the study and said bringing the blue tank online would improve storage and reduce immediate demand pressure on the supply system. "If you add some mixing to keep that water fresh ... you can kind of alleviate those carcinogen problems in the long term," Groton said, summarizing Beta's recommendation.

Groton and others said the capital cost is uncertain but that earlier remarks indicated capital expense likely exceeds $100,000 and may require a heated pumping station and a mixer installation. "That would be a substantial investment that's gonna require funding," consultant/presenter Chris McClure told the commission, adding he would forward the study and cost estimates for review.

Commissioners also raised a contractual question: Southbridge, which currently operates the system and collects revenues, has taken the position that upgrades required to meet Charlton's needs would be Charlton's responsibility under the intermunicipal agreement. Groton said he had not yet found the specific agreement language that places the burden on Charlton and requested Chris McClure identify the clause that assigns cost responsibility.

Members agreed there is time to gather detail before a town meeting decision; the commission noted the town's next town meeting schedule and that capital authorization would likely wait for a town vote. Commissioners asked staff to provide the intermunicipal agreement language and estimates of the cost and operational implications before returning the matter to a future meeting.

No formal vote to fund the blue tank work was taken on Dec. 3; commissioners requested a formal cost breakdown and contractual review to determine next steps.