Lunenburg Water District Approves $32.2 Million for New Treatment Facility
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Meeting Type:
Water Control Board
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Meeting Date:
05/16/2024
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Recording Published:
05/17/2024
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Duration:
17 Minutes
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Worcester County
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Towns:
Lunenburg
- Meeting Overview:
In a recent session, Lunenburg Water District has approved a substantial appropriation of $32.2 million for the design and construction of a new wastewater treatment facility. This decision came about during a special meeting of the Lunenburg Water District Board. The new facility will be located at the existing Lancaster Avenue wellfield. Financing for this project will be through a state revolving fund loan with a minimum of 3.3% principal forgiveness, and it is set to address the current and future water treatment needs of the district, including the treatment of iron, manganese, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS levels currently permitted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are at four parts per trillion, and all water supplies in the district are expected to require treatment for PFAS in the near future.
The meeting attendees utilized electronic clickers for voting. The vote passed with 416 votes in favor and 309 against.
Discussion on the floor included concerns about how the costs of the loan and construction would be distributed among water users. It was clarified that there would be an increase in both the minimum charge per quarter and the usage charge. This means that while every user will see an increase in their base rate, those who use more water will pay more over time. The estimated increase is projected to be $45 per quarter for the base rate and $4.80 per hundred cubic feet for usage above the current rates.
This investment stands as the first phase included in the master plan for treatment and sustainability in the water district’s supply. The plan was developed with ARPA funding and aims to secure the water supply for many years to come.
Additionally, during the meeting, there was a reminder about proper use of electronic voting devices, following an incident at a previous town meeting where one person was found to be holding two clickers, which is against the law. Attendees were instructed on the correct use of these devices to ensure an accurate and fair voting process.
Heather R. Lemieux
Water Control Board Officials:
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Meeting Type:
Water Control Board
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Meeting Date:
05/16/2024
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Recording Published:
05/17/2024
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Duration:
17 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Worcester County
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Towns:
Lunenburg
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