Planning Board outlines sewer capacity increase for 1,600 units in upcoming projects
December 16, 2024 | Westerly, Washington County, Rhode Island
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The Westerly Town Council convened on December 16, 2024, to address critical issues regarding sewer capacity and lead service lines in the community. The meeting began with a detailed discussion on the sewer treatment plant's capacity limits, which have been a significant concern for the Planning Board as they seek direction for upcoming projects.
Council members were informed that the town is working closely with Jacobs Engineering to establish updated capacity limits for the sewer treatment plant. These limits are essential for evaluating new development proposals, particularly as the town anticipates an increase in capacity by approximately 1,600 units over the next 20 years. This increase is attributed to the redevelopment of existing properties rather than an expansion of the treatment plant itself. Notable projects mentioned include the conversion of an old school into apartments and a proposed shopping center that may include residential units.
The council emphasized the importance of having accurate capacity data available for developers, which will be necessary for any ordinance changes related to new construction. The design phase for the sewer treatment plant is currently underway, with completion expected by March 2025, followed by a year-long approval process from the Department of Environmental Management.
In addition to sewer capacity, the council addressed the issue of lead service lines in the town's water system. A report from the Director of Utilities outlined the division of responsibility for lead services, which can exist in three configurations: from the water line to the curb stop, from the curb stop to the house, or both. The town manages approximately 15,000 service lines, with a portion suspected to contain lead. The council is actively working to identify and inspect these lines, with a goal to replace them over the next decade, in line with federal health regulations.
Overall, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to addressing infrastructure challenges while ensuring that development aligns with the town's capacity to manage growth sustainably. The council plans to prioritize these issues in 2025, with further workshops and discussions scheduled to facilitate progress.
Council members were informed that the town is working closely with Jacobs Engineering to establish updated capacity limits for the sewer treatment plant. These limits are essential for evaluating new development proposals, particularly as the town anticipates an increase in capacity by approximately 1,600 units over the next 20 years. This increase is attributed to the redevelopment of existing properties rather than an expansion of the treatment plant itself. Notable projects mentioned include the conversion of an old school into apartments and a proposed shopping center that may include residential units.
The council emphasized the importance of having accurate capacity data available for developers, which will be necessary for any ordinance changes related to new construction. The design phase for the sewer treatment plant is currently underway, with completion expected by March 2025, followed by a year-long approval process from the Department of Environmental Management.
In addition to sewer capacity, the council addressed the issue of lead service lines in the town's water system. A report from the Director of Utilities outlined the division of responsibility for lead services, which can exist in three configurations: from the water line to the curb stop, from the curb stop to the house, or both. The town manages approximately 15,000 service lines, with a portion suspected to contain lead. The council is actively working to identify and inspect these lines, with a goal to replace them over the next decade, in line with federal health regulations.
Overall, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to addressing infrastructure challenges while ensuring that development aligns with the town's capacity to manage growth sustainably. The council plans to prioritize these issues in 2025, with further workshops and discussions scheduled to facilitate progress.
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