The Kingston Sewer Commission took a firm stance on large-scale development Tuesday, demanding a multi-million dollar commitment from the representatives of the Marramar project. To secure a requested capacity of 44,000 gallons per day, the town is requiring a 75 percent non-refundable deposit totaling $4,090,000, which includes $100,000 for engineering fees. This deposit must be received within five business days to lock in the capacity for the proposed residential development. The total connection fee for the project is estimated at $5,320,000, based on current residential unit calculations.

Chair Elaine Fiori emphasized the necessity of a binding agreement, stating that the letter should state that the $4,090,000 is required within five business days to secure the 44,000 gallons per day. While some board members questioned the steepness of the non-refundable requirement, Commissioner Brian argued that the high threshold protects the town’s interests. It is a locked amount, he noted. If they walk away, the town keeps that to offset engineering and other costs. Motion Made by E. Fiori to accept the letter to the Marramar project representatives as amended. Motion Passed (3-0-0).

The urgency to secure these funds comes as the town faces mounting environmental pressures. Cara from CDM Smith updated the commission on the Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan, noting that Kingston Bay requires a 40 percent reduction in septic nitrogen to maintain a healthy estuary. More concerning are the rising nitrate levels in the Middlegate North and South wells. Superintendent Dave reported that levels have climbed to between 3.5 and 5 milligrams per liter. While below the maximum contaminant level of 10, the trend has already triggered a consent order for the water department. Levels are around 3.5 to 5 milligrams per liter; 10 is the maximum contaminant level, so they are safe, but the increasing trend is a trigger for monitoring, Dave explained.

To combat these trends, the commission is moving forward with a 30 percent design phase for a massive sewer expansion covering over 30,000 feet of gravity and pressure sewers. This phase is expected to take ten months and is a prerequisite for applying for State Revolving Fund (SRF) loans, which could offer the town a 0 percent interest rate. Cara informed the board that if the town wants to apply for SRF funding... the application is typically due July 20th. One board member inquired if the treatment plant itself would need to grow to accommodate this expansion, asking, Do we need to look at making the plant a little bit bigger with another tank or two? Where does that fall into this? Brian responded that while capacity exists for now, the town is quickly approaching its limits, and the design phase will provide the necessary clarity on infrastructure needs.

The board also revisited the potential for regional revenue by treating wastewater from Duxbury, a topic that has persisted in town discussions since 2003. Fiori noted that regional flow represents an opportunity to stabilize rates for Kingston residents, while another member suggested that some people want to keep paying higher rates by refusing extra revenue, but we need to pay our bills. Brian added that there is a clear historical record of Duxbury Bay pollution issues that Kingston could help mitigate through a regional partnership: We need to work with the Jones River Watershed Association and others to build a list of environmental 'negatives' to help us get to the top of the funding list.

Operational challenges were also highlighted following a recent major storm that left the department running on generators for four days. Superintendent Dave described a series of equipment failures, including a failed level sensor at the Marian Drive wet well due to an electrical surge and the failure of the Highway barn fuel system. Beyond the weather, the department continues to struggle with residents flushing wipes, a practice known as ragging that clogs pump stations. Dave reported that crews have been fishing for debris in the Riverside neighborhood using coat hangers to identify the specific buildings responsible for the clogs. We found a bar screen tray that fills up in one day, Dave said, describing the constant maintenance required to keep the system flowing.