North Scituate Sewer Expansion Project Selects Optimal Route
Town approves $483,300 change order for water treatment plant upgrade as both major infrastructure projects progress
SCITUATE - June 10 - The Scituate Select Board received updates on two major infrastructure projects during their June 10 meeting, including progress on the North Scituate Sewer Expansion Project and approval of a significant change order for the ongoing water treatment plant upgrade.
Dan Scott, project manager with Woodard & Curran, presented the latest developments on the North Scituate sewer project, which aims to bring sewer service to the area around Gannett Road and Country Way near the MBTA train station.
"The project is to bring sewer to North Scituate around Gannett Road and Country Way near the MBTA train station," Scott explained. "It includes 3,000 linear feet of gravity sewer, 3,000 linear feet of low pressure sewer, and about two miles of force main that are going to come from a proposed pump station."
After evaluating five potential routes, the engineering team has selected what they call "Alternative B1" – Country Way to Branch – as the optimal path for the new sewer line. This option scored best in both qualitative and quantitative analyses.
"We selected as a team alternative B1, country weighted branch as our recommended alternative to move forward with your final design," Scott said. "We decided to perform best on both the qualitative and quantitative analysis we performed."
The B1 route will utilize gravity flow rather than requiring additional pump stations beyond the one planned for North Scituate, reducing both construction and long-term operational costs.
Town Administrator Jim Boudreau noted the importance of the project to the community. "The whole community can't wait for this to go forward," he said.
The project timeline shows preliminary design wrapping up in July 2024, with 90% design completion expected between July 2025 and January 2026. Construction is scheduled to begin in November 2026 with completion anticipated by June 2028.
Boudreau also mentioned that the town has applied for a $5 million MassWorks grant to help fund the project.
In a separate but related infrastructure matter, the Select Board approved a $483,300 change order for the ongoing Stearns Meadow Water Treatment Plant upgrade project.
Rob Little, principal in charge for the water treatment plant project, explained that the change order consists of three components: $335,500 for floor drains and a containment system in the garage area, $110,000 for electrical and structural steel modifications, and $37,800 for various clarifications.
The floor drain issue arose when the town's plumbing inspector determined they were required by code, despite not being included in the original design.
The containment system includes a tight tank to capture any potential spills, preventing contamination of the nearby reservoir.
Select Board member Freya Schlegel expressed frustration about the change order but acknowledged its necessity. "I think it's incredibly unfortunate that it was missed in design," she said. "But it makes sense to have a drainage system next to your town's water supply in case something happened in the future."
Despite the change order, the water treatment plant project remains within budget, with approximately $2.45 million in contingency funds remaining. The project is currently about 30% complete and on schedule for substantial completion in 2026.
Lauren Hurdle, project manager for the water treatment plant upgrade, reported that concrete work is progressing well, with structural steel installation being the next major phase over the coming months.
"We are in a good spot to continue with the states as shown," Hurdle said. "Payment complete is 30%. Percent by time is 28.6."
In other business, the Select Board:
- Welcomed two new members, Dr. Nico Afanasenko and Freya Schlegel, with Chair Andrew Goodrich noting both have professional backgrounds in helping others
- Approved a SCADA upgrade for sewer clarifiers at the wastewater treatment plant for $70,600
- Granted an easement to Eversource for electrical service to the new Gates Intermediate School
- Established operating hours of 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. for the new Egypt Beach bathrooms
- Accepted an $8,220 donation in memory of Anne Mullen for the senior center
The meeting also included interviews with candidates for the Conservation Commission and Community Preservation Committee, with decisions on those appointments to be made at a future meeting.
Town Administrator Boudreau reported that the Jericho Boat Ramp has officially reopened, slightly ahead of schedule. "We want to thank Terry Smith, the acting director of the Office of Fishing and Boating Access, and his staff, the contractor of Tuckett Asphalt of Rhode Island for completing the project in timely manner," he said.
The Select Board reorganized at the beginning of the meeting, with Andrew Goodrich continuing as chair, Susan Harrison elected as vice chair, and James Gilmore as clerk.