From the Falmouth Enterprise · February 17, 2023 · By Gilda Geist
Falmouth’s top officials met at the public library on February 13, 2023, to compare ways of cleaning up the town’s 14 watersheds under MassDEP’s proposed rules, which would require either I/A septic systems for homeowners within five years or enforceable 20-year watershed permits. Water Quality Management Committee chairman Eric T. Turkington called it the biggest financial issue the town has ever faced. Consultant Kristen Rathjen of Science Wares estimated the town’s existing plan, which combines sewering, I/A systems, shellfish aquaculture and inlet widening and works west to east one watershed at a time, at about $200 million, and a sewers-only approach at about $400 million.
Interim Town Manager Peter Johnson-Staub said the town could borrow about $200 million over 16 years without raising taxes, but that covers all needs, not just wastewater. Members questioned the 20-year deadline: Turkington said it came from the Conservation Law Foundation’s lawsuit and should be negotiable, and Kenneth Foreman noted most Cape towns have only one or two watersheds. Matthew Charette favored moving soon to position the town for state and federal aid. Wastewater Superintendent Amy A. Lowell said most watersheds will need sewering, with alternatives such as composting or urine-diverting toilets able to help but not solve the problem.
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