The Southborough Conservation Commission meeting on May 1, 2025, highlighted significant challenges and potential solutions for the town's commercial and industrial growth, particularly focusing on the urgent need for a wastewater treatment system.

During the meeting, officials discussed the outdated zoning ordinances that hinder development, noting that many are over 40 years old and inflexible. A major barrier identified was the lack of wastewater treatment options for businesses, especially along Route 9, where many parcels cannot support traditional septic systems. This limitation has stunted the growth of industries such as restaurants, grocery stores, and biotech firms, which are essential for boosting local tax revenue.

The town's history of declining wastewater treatment options, including a missed opportunity in the 1970s to connect to the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA), was also addressed. Currently, Southborough is the first community west of Boston without a wastewater treatment facility, which has become increasingly critical as the population has grown to over 10,000.

To tackle these issues, the town has conducted three wastewater studies in the past two years and engaged with developers and neighboring communities to assess demand and feasibility. However, connecting to existing facilities in Marlborough or Westborough is not viable due to capacity constraints.

The discussion also included preliminary plans for a new wastewater treatment plant, which would require a significant land area for disposal. Two potential sites were identified: land near Route 495 and the Southborough golf course. Utilizing treated effluent for irrigation at the golf course could provide a dual benefit—reducing the use of expensive drinking water and offering a sustainable solution for wastewater disposal.

The conservation restriction on the golf course allows for irrigation, and officials believe that using treated effluent could be both environmentally friendly and cost-effective. The next steps involve further discussions with stakeholders, including the golf course commission and conservation groups, as well as applying for grants to support technical expertise in developing the project.

As Southborough moves forward, the focus remains on gathering community feedback and ensuring that any proposed solutions align with the town's broader goals for sustainable growth and environmental stewardship.