The Wastewater Study Committee of Southborough, Massachusetts convened on March 13, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding wastewater management and potential sites for treatment facilities. The meeting focused on the implications of nutrient impacts on local water bodies and the need for a comprehensive sewering effort, particularly along Route 9, to enhance the town's tax base.

The committee acknowledged that developing a wastewater treatment plan would be a significant undertaking, likely requiring two to three years from planning to implementation. Discussions highlighted the necessity of identifying suitable land for wastewater disposal, with particular attention given to areas between the lanes of Interstate 495. Members noted that while some parcels may not be ideal, they could be less contentious with neighboring properties.

The conversation also touched on the challenges faced by neighboring towns, such as Westborough and Marlborough, which currently discharge effluent into the Assabet River. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has indicated that obtaining new surface water discharge permits will be increasingly difficult, prompting a shift towards groundwater discharge solutions. The committee discussed the need for approximately 10 to 15 acres of land per treatment site, depending on the population served and soil conditions.

Regional collaboration was emphasized as a potential avenue for securing state grants and funding. The committee considered the possibility of a regional wastewater treatment facility that could serve multiple towns, including Southborough, Westborough, Shrewsbury, and Hopkinton. This approach could enhance the project's attractiveness to state funding sources.

Members also explored the feasibility of utilizing existing land, such as golf courses, for wastewater irrigation. However, concerns were raised about the practicality of implementing drip irrigation systems in such settings, particularly regarding soil conditions and potential disruptions to the golf course operations.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the importance of further investigating land options and soil suitability, as well as engaging with local stakeholders, including the golf course committee and conservation commissions, to ensure that all potential sites are considered. The committee plans to continue its work on identifying feasible locations and developing a comprehensive wastewater management strategy for Southborough.