Landowner proposes Griffin Road water main to address PFAS; commission to review fees and DEP paperwork
June 05, 2026 | Town of Charlton, Worcester County, Massachusetts
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Larry McKissick of PCK Realty asked the Charlton Water & Sewer Commission on June 3 to approve a water main extension up Griffin Road so homes and businesses can be tied into town water to address PFAS contamination that testing has identified near his properties.
McKissick said the contamination stems from a former scrapyard and a fire-department response and described a multi-site remediation burden he said he has already been carrying. He said running a new main and tying in every house on the stretch would be the most cost-effective way to end recurring DEP-mandated remediation steps, and he asked the commission for reduced connection fees because he plans to fund the extension.
"It's costing me, it's gonna cost me about ... to get everything done, and I'm paying for everything," McKissick said, describing multiple on-site treatment systems and ongoing quarterly maintenance costs. He said DEP has been involved and that engineering firm CMG Environmental has monitored the site.
Commissioners asked for clarifications: whether the work would only cover a single segment or lead to further extensions, whether the DEP and engineering reports are complete, and whether homeowners have agreed to tie in. McKissick said he had spoken with most homeowners and expected consent; he said McClure Engineering had prepared plans and that the Town of Southbridge had already approved necessary work on its side.
After discussion, Commissioner Art (last name not recorded) moved to take the item under advisement and place it on next month's agenda so staff can consult with McClure, Vinny, and DEP contacts and return with a recommendation. The motion was seconded and approved by roll call.
The commission did not make commitments to waive or reduce fees; instead, staff will review engineering plans, confirm the DEP's expectations, gather homeowner agreement forms as appropriate, and return with cost and fee recommendations at the next meeting.
McKissick said the contamination stems from a former scrapyard and a fire-department response and described a multi-site remediation burden he said he has already been carrying. He said running a new main and tying in every house on the stretch would be the most cost-effective way to end recurring DEP-mandated remediation steps, and he asked the commission for reduced connection fees because he plans to fund the extension.
"It's costing me, it's gonna cost me about ... to get everything done, and I'm paying for everything," McKissick said, describing multiple on-site treatment systems and ongoing quarterly maintenance costs. He said DEP has been involved and that engineering firm CMG Environmental has monitored the site.
Commissioners asked for clarifications: whether the work would only cover a single segment or lead to further extensions, whether the DEP and engineering reports are complete, and whether homeowners have agreed to tie in. McKissick said he had spoken with most homeowners and expected consent; he said McClure Engineering had prepared plans and that the Town of Southbridge had already approved necessary work on its side.
After discussion, Commissioner Art (last name not recorded) moved to take the item under advisement and place it on next month's agenda so staff can consult with McClure, Vinny, and DEP contacts and return with a recommendation. The motion was seconded and approved by roll call.
The commission did not make commitments to waive or reduce fees; instead, staff will review engineering plans, confirm the DEP's expectations, gather homeowner agreement forms as appropriate, and return with cost and fee recommendations at the next meeting.
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