Plymouth Select Board Greenlights Controversial Wastewater Discharge Plan Despite Citizen Opposition
PLYMOUTH - February 3, 2026 - In a pivotal 4-1 vote, the Plymouth Select Board moved to advance the Town’s Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for a new groundwater discharge system at the Camelot Drive wastewater treatment plant. The decision, which marks a significant step toward shifting treated effluent discharge from Plymouth Harbor to inland sand beds, was met with sharp criticism from Eel River residents who fear long-term environmental degradation and threats to private wells.
The Full Story
The debate over where to send Plymouth’s treated wastewater reached a boiling point February 3 as the Select Board considered a plan to increase groundwater discharge capacity to 3 million gallons per day (MGD). Currently, the Town discharges roughly 1.6 MGD through an ocean outfall into the harbor. Proponents, including Town staff and consultants, argued the shift is necessary to protect the harbor’s sensitive aquaculture industry and meet future growth demands that the existing outfall—capped by the Ocean Sanctuaries Act—cannot accommodate.
However, the proposal faced a wall of opposition from the Wastewater Groundwater Discharge Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC). Vice Chair Hampton Watkins and Clerk Rose Forbes reported that the committee voted against recommending the DEIR, citing “questionable” data from a 2018 loading test and unresolved concerns regarding “hydraulic mounding” that could impact nearby structures and ecosystems.
Residents living along the Eel River and Russell Mill Pond delivered emotional testimony, linking recent cyanobacteria blooms and “black water” incidents to existing test discharges.
“I’ve lived on Russell Mill Road for 75 years... that pond is already degrading. I see it every day.” — Martin Enos at 03:53:52
Darlene Nickerson, owner of the Gilbert Trout Hatchery, pleaded with the board to protect her livelihood, noting that PFAS has already been detected near her water supply.
Town staff emphasized that the DEIR is a “parallel path” and not a final permit. Board member Kevin Canty noted that advancing the process allows the Town to set its own pace rather than waiting for a state mandate, while Chair David Golden committed to keeping the CAC active to address neighborhood concerns. Bill Keohan cast the lone dissenting vote, arguing the Town should focus on upgrading the treatment plant’s technology before shifting discharge locations.
Why It Matters
This decision affects every resident and taxpayer in Plymouth. For sewer ratepayers, shifting to groundwater discharge could save approximately $40,000 to $50,000 annually in energy costs. For the broader community, the project is a prerequisite for expanding the Town’s sewer system. However, for those near the Eel River, it represents a potential 80-to-100-year risk of nutrient loading that could permanently alter one of the Town’s most prized freshwater resources.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To approve the submission of the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) to the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) office.
Vote: 4-1 (04:43:10)
Motion: To approve the 10-year aquaculture license renewal for Rick Veo (Bear Tide Oysters).
Vote: 5-0 (00:31:41)
Motion: To approve the pilot program for aquaculture upwellers on the Town Wharf for Michael and Sean Whitington.
Vote: 5-0 (00:51:55)
Public Comment
Public feedback was overwhelmingly focused on the wastewater discharge plan. Residents expressed deep skepticism regarding Town-provided data and highlighted immediate concerns about the health of Russell Mill Pond and the Eel River.
What’s Next
The DEIR will now be submitted to MEPA, triggering a 30-day public comment period. The Town also expects to move forward with the design of a $9 million tertiary filtration system to remove phosphorus and nitrogen, supported by federal grants.
Source Video: Plymouth Select Board: 2/3/26 (PAC TV)