Officials launch discussion on the future of town sewer system
By Caitlyn Kelleher Journal Reporter

Officials have begun discussing where the town's waste should flow, as development, infrastructure repairs, and existing contracts and cost play into the debate.

Those issues were raised at a joint meeting among members of the Select Board, Advisory Board, Planning Board and Water-Sewer Commission on Jan. 16.

The contract with Gardner to process the wastewater is still in effect and there is still room for more wastewater to be pumped to Gardner every year, officials said.

But, with a proposed 40B development, which wants to plug into the sewer system, a major pump station repair and the possibility an additional pump station is needed, officials believe now is the time to address the town's sewage issue.

"Is Gardner the future for us?" asked Town Administrator Kevin Paicos.

Ashburnham and Gardner officials signed a 20-year contract to have the town's wastewater pumped to the city's treatment plant. The contract was signed in 1995 and includes a three-year notice before cancellation.

Ashburnham can pump 72,000 gallons of wastewater to Gardner every year. The town currently pumps just under 50,000 gallons. The problem arises when Gardner has to approve any extensions to the system.

When the sewer system was proposed the second phase was going to be a line that ran through the lakes region of town to help protect the water supply. Gardner would now consider this an extension, and it would be subject to the city's approval.

"You can say the sewer is done, that is a policy-level decision that you may or may not want to make," Paicos said.

Selectmen Jonathan Dennehy said that the public should be consulted before making that decision.

John MacMillian, the Planning Board chairman and an Affordable Housing Committee member, said a sewer extension is needed to increase the town's affordable housing stock to the state-mandated levels.

If the town decides to break or change the agreement with Gardner the other options being discussed are sending the wastewater to either Fitchburg or Winchendon or establishing a treatment center in town.

"It doesn't mean a combination approach doesn't make sense," said Peter Valinski, an engineer with Tighe and Bond.

The town would need to dedicate 20 to 150 acres of flat soil to install a septic system for a treatment plant if Ashburnham tries to open its own water filtration system. Or the town would need a large flowing river, said Valinski

Officials at the meeting did not think this was the most likely option.

Selectman Christopher Gagnon advocated talking with Fitchburg officials to discuss the possibility of entering into a contract with them to process the town's wastewater.

"Thinking long-term and regionally, it just makes sense to me," Gagnon said.

Collette said if the sewer line is brought down South Ashburnham Road into Westminster there could be other problems because of the two reservoirs along the route.

"That's a real concern," he said. "Very risky, but doable."

The group decided more information was needed before any decisions are made, but were glad that they started the discussion.