Brown & Caldwell updates Winchester selectboard on water and wastewater work; Five Corners paving to be remedied

Consultant Colin O'Brien of Brown & Caldwell joined Water/Sewer Superintendent Rick Meleski to brief the Selectboard on Sept. 2 on the town’s water and wastewater projects.

O'Brien said the wastewater project is "currently waiting for an updated schedule" and that the team had received 30% of design work for a building extension. He told the board the team is considering using excess project funding to trial a low-cost disinfecting technology demonstrated at a facility in Maine. On the water project, O'Brien said work is fully remobilized and that the foundation is in place and the building is expected to arrive by the end of the month.

Board members raised concerns about paving at the Five Corners intersection. The consultant and town staff reported narrowed pavement and incorrect grade at that location that have damaged residents' vehicles and left some driveways with as much as a 10-inch drop. O'Brien said the original paving company would receive a credit and a different, trusted contractor will perform corrective work at no additional cost to the town; the valve boxes also need cutting and follow-up cleanup will be tracked.

Selectman Trevor Croteau asked about pipe staged along the road; O'Brien said he would follow up. The board indicated the Five Corners project remains on schedule to finish by year-end.