Charlton commission votes to pursue $14 million wastewater overhaul, seek engineering proposals

Charlton 94 The Charlton Water and Sewer Commission voted Dec. 3 to pursue a capital improvement project aimed at replacing or substantially replacing the town's wastewater treatment plant and upgrading multiple pump stations, estimating the initial capital need at $14,000,000.

Commissioner Eric Groton, who moved the plan, said the action is intended to start a financing and planning process rather than commit immediate spending. "We're not spending that money now," Groton said. He asked the town finance director to run a rate study and returned estimates so the commission can determine how much of the work could be paid by rates and connection fees rather than by general taxpayers.

The motion directs the commission to evaluate treatment alternatives, replace or reconstruct the treatment facility, upgrade pump stations at Vine Street, Old Worcester Road and North Main Street, and install a communications and alarm system for remote pump stations. After discussion, the commission approved the motion on a roll call vote.

Groton and other commissioners framed the vote as a necessary response to a multi-year pattern of permit noncompliance and capacity constraints. "If we don't try to do something ... MassDEP is gonna step in," Groton said, referring to state regulators and the risks of continued noncompliance.

The commission also approved a motion to seek proposals for a consultant engineer to act as the commission's agent in refining scope and budget, and to oversee design, construction and startup. Groton said the consultant would help validate the commission's cost estimate and refine options, adding that the initial $14 million figure may change.

Commission discussion referenced a Wright Pierce conceptual report and prior options the town considered, including an $8 million MBBR option and a higher-cost SBR option the commission now favors. Commissioners noted prior attempts to address parts of the plant's needs that did not resolve permit or capacity issues and cautioned that costs could rise during detailed design.

The commission also made clear it will seek financing guidance from the town finance director and the director's consulting firm to assess whether higher rates, increased tie-in or privilege fees, or long-term borrowing could make the project feasible without using general-tax monies.

The motions recorded on Dec. 3 were limited to pursuing the project concept, seeking consultant proposals and forwarding the estimate to the finance director for a rate and financing study; no contract awards or borrowing were approved at the meeting. The commission's next regular meeting is Jan. 7, 2026, where members expect to receive additional details and schedule follow-ups.