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Somerset Sewer Extension Project

At a glance

Based on auto-generated captions; names and details may be misheard.

  • What: sewer extension to the Somerset needs area, approved at town meeting, with taxpayers funding construction and homeowners paying to connect from the line to their homes.
  • Where it stands: the Select Board discussed growing resident email opposition over cost and density; no vote. A remote-only informational session was scheduled for Thursday, November 5 at 5:30 p.m.
  • Next: final design, bidding in February 2027 and construction from spring or summer 2027, completion spring 2029; award must happen by June 30, 2027 to keep state revolving fund eligibility. A Planning survey of affected owners on buildout is coming.
  • Latest: at the November 5 information session the team reported a $35.6 million Clean Water State Revolving Fund application under MassDEP review (1.5%, possibly 0%).

Details

  • Town Manager announcement: the November 5 session gives residents a progress update and a chance to question the project team.

  • One board member said the volume of emails from residents who do not want the project, because of cost, is worrying; others said they also hear from people who want it.

  • Several members said the alternative is a required innovative/alternative (IA) septic system, which costs more than connecting to sewer and must be replaced about every 30 years, and that Board of Health or state nitrogen requirements for contributing neighborhoods could force it. Members said the betterment was voted down, so all taxpayers pay for construction, while homeowners pay for their own connection.

  • Concerns raised: higher sewer rates and a likely further increase in 2027 with little money in the sewer enterprise fund (Sewer Enterprise Fund Budget); densification, traffic and noise; and other pollutants beyond nitrogen that have not been studied. A member pointed to the SMAST studies as the basis for the project (spelling from captions).

  • Residents with hardship were told they have recourse to the Board of Health.

  • November 5 session: about 15,200 feet gravity and 9,500 feet low-pressure sewer, pump station at 77 Bartlett Road, about 7,000 feet of water main, Raceway Drive drainage and Somerset Lane multi-use path. Owner costs: $4,000 permit fee, capacity fee about $6,700 minimum, private connection costs; betterment removed at Town Meeting. Financing options: voluntary sewer lien and 2% Title 5 loan. Grinder pump questions on outages and failures; staff said an alarm sounds and a crew would pump down. Residents raised pond-restoration, dredging and affordability concerns; one spoke in favor. Staff said the project manager is confident the appropriation is sufficient, and Drew Patnode cited the 2014 wastewater plan and the road, path and water work timed with the project.

Sources

Log

2026-11-04 - Select Board

Board discussed resident opposition and support, IA septic alternatives, who pays for construction versus connection, and density concerns. Informational session set for November 5.

2026-11-05 - Somerset Needs Area Sewer Extension Information Session

Project team presented design, state revolving fund financing, owner costs, grinder pumps and schedule (bid February 2027, completion spring 2029). Residents split on cost, pond benefit and buildout; Planning to survey affected owners.