The sewer project, encompassing two construction contracts—one for the collection system and another for lift stations and force mains—has a total estimated capital cost of approximately $52 million. This figure includes engineering services, police details, and a 15% contingency for unforeseen expenses. The town plans to address any costs not covered by the loan through market-rate financing. Grinder pump subsidies are expected to cost property owners approximately $1,800 each. Betterment costs, a topic of discussion, are likely to be assessed via a sewer equivalent units (SEU) method. The preliminary estimate of $40,000 per SEU, translating to about $1,300 annually at 0% interest over 30 years, is notably higher than previous estimates due to increasing construction costs and the larger lot sizes of properties in the sewer area.

The discourse extended to the affluent discharge plan, which involves initial use of existing discharge beds under a groundwater permit. By 2032, the town aims to transition to a sound outfall for treated wastewater, ending land-based discharges. The anticipated flow from redevelopment stands at 25,000 gallons per day, with the Great Pond Phase 1 contributing 110,000 gallons per day towards the 710,000 gallons per day limit under the groundwater discharge permit.

Funding uncertainties loomed over the meeting, particularly concerning the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s revised State Revolving Fund (SRF) policies. These changes require annual reapplication for multi-year projects, introducing potential challenges for future funding structures. While the current $50 million loan for the Great Pond project remains secure, the select board expressed “significant concern” over the implications of these policy changes, which could affect larger projects and ongoing plans. A cap of $50 million per project per year was highlighted as a complicating factor for securing comprehensive funding.

Public input during the meeting brought forth frustrations regarding perceived restrictions on audience questions and the lack of mandatory public hearings for certain project elements. Concerns were raised about legal compliance regarding notification requirements for abutters, and unresolved project details were cited as reasons for previous town meeting rejections. Additionally, the status of marine borings for the outfall pipe project was updated, with subsurface soil sample collection delayed due to mechanical issues. This setback could affect the projected timeline for completing the borings by late March.

Another topic was the Title 5 septic tax credit, with discussions focusing on making it refundable to better support lower and middle-income families. Senator Dylan Fernandez expressed support for this initiative. The select board’s letters of support have been circulated among other Cape and Islands towns.

The meeting also addressed broader outreach efforts. A Zoom meeting with supportive legislators was anticipated, emphasizing the urgency of influencing the state budget cycle before the July 1 deadline. Additionally, discussions on septic system subsidies highlighted concerns over financial equity for homeowners, with proposals for low-interest loans through the Cape Cod Aqua Fund being considered.

A draft letter to the Board of Selectmen highlighted disparities in water quality management, with suggestions for including detailed data to enhance understanding. Proposed Board of Health regulations on advanced treatment systems were reviewed. The regulations would apply to new construction, renovations, and property transfers involving failed septic systems. The emphasis was on balancing the financial burdens on property owners with the overarching goal of effective watershed management.