Westford Finance Committee approves $60,445 for wastewater plant testing

Other Committee · Meeting of August 6, 2026

Westford Finance Committee approves $60,445 to fund DEP-mandated wastewater plant testing. The committee voted 7-0 to transfer the money for engineering, lab analysis and a testing meter needed before the state Department of Environmental Protection will accept a revised return-to-compliance plan for the Westford Academy Wastewater Treatment Plant, which received an administrative consent order in August 2025. The breakdown: $24,900 for engineering consulting, $25,250 for lab work, $4,800 for a handheld meter and a $5,495 contingency.

Staff member Kristen said the reserve fund will be replenished via a placeholder on an upcoming special town meeting warrant. Member Dennis said he hoped the spending wasn't "flushing the money down the drain" ahead of a possible new plant costing "$30 million or whatever." The compliance plan is due to DEP November 1. The committee also welcomed new member Sunit Chhada and approved minutes from two prior meetings.

In the full story:

• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report — 2,015 words

Source: the Other Committee meeting of August 6, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.