Doug & Jake provide updates on the sewer & water projects underway (audio)

FM #1557 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, numbers 1557 in the series

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Doug Martin, Franklin’s Water and Sewer Superintendent and Jake Standly, the Assistant Water/Sewer Superintendent. 

We had our conversation in the Franklin Public Radio studios on Hutchinson St on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. Our conversation covered updates on Water & Sewer projects previously discussed in each their own three-part series. 

The show notes include links to the Franklin water & sewer division page 

Let’s listen to this part of my conversation with Doug and Jake and learn about the updates to Franklin’s sewer and water projects. 

Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1557-dpw-water-sewer-project-updates-10-21-25/

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monitor your water usage

Water Sewer Division - https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division

The main page contains links to the both of the 3-part series on water and sewer.

Beaver Street interceptor project -> https://www.franklinma.gov/557/Beaver-Street-Interceptor-BSI-Project

Charles River Pollution Control (sewerage processor) https://www.franklinma.gov/charles-river-pollution-control   and https://www.charlesriverpcd.org/ 

Leak or Blockage diagram of lines of responsibility between Town and property owners for water and sewer service  https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/have-leak-or-blockage

Water service line inventory page (looking for lead pipes and connections) -> https://www.franklinma.gov/637/Water-Service-Line-Inventory 

Water Smart program ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/1221/WaterSmart

Consumer Confidence Reports (on water quality)  ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/consumer-confidence-reports

The Energy and Environmental Affairs Drinking Water Data Portal.

https://eeaonline.eea.state.ma.us/portal#!/search/drinking-water/results?PWSId=2101000

We did forget to cover the wholesale water program. It was suspended once the drought alerts from the State were issued. When not in drought, it does generate some additional revenue (more per gallon than residents pay)  https://www.franklinma.gov/1109/Wholesale-Water 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm). 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

 

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project Construction Updates ~ Sunday Night (10/5) through Thursday Morning (10/9)

RT. 140 (West Central Street) Lane Closure Alert 7 PM to 5 AM:

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI)
Project Construction Updates

Sunday night, October 5, the Contractor will continue with the installation of the sewer force main within RT. 140 (West Central Street). The work will be contained within the southbound lane from Burger King to Beaver Street. In addition, the Contractor will be conducting pipe fusing operations on Old West Central from Tri-County to Franklin Crossing.

During this time there will be evening lane closures on RT. 140 from 7pm to 5am. Please use caution when traveling in this area and follow all posted signs. Note that this work is expected to continue from Sunday night through Thursday morning for the next 6 to 8 weeks. 

In addition, on either Tuesday (10/7) or Wednesday (10/8) night it is anticipated that access to the Taco Bell will be blocked starting at 8pm to allow for the laydown of pipe across their driveway. 

Beaver Street Pump Station:

On Tuesday 10/7, Eversource Gas will be digging across Beaver Street into the Pump Station Site. There will be a lane closure during this time. Please use caution when traveling in this area and follow all posted signs.

During the week the construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue with work on the exterior building structure and internal building component installation. In addition, the contractor will start the final site work of paving and grading.

Shared from -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/557/Beaver-Street-Interceptor-BSI-Project

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project Construction Updates ~ Sunday Night (9/14) through Friday Morning (9/19)

RT. 140 (West Central Street) Night Time Work and Lane Closure Alert!

Due to MassDOT regulations, the Construction crew is being forced to work at night.  Starting Sunday, September 14th through the morning of Friday September 19th the construction crew will be working from 9 PM to 5 AM. 

During this time the Contractor will continue with the installation of the sewer force main within RT. 140 (West Central Street). The work will be contained within the southbound lane from Burger King to Beaver Street. During this time there will be daily lane closures on RT. 140 from 9 PM to 5 AM. Please use caution when traveling in this area and follow all posted signs.  

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI)
Project Construction Updates

Beaver Street Pump Station:

At the Franklin Recreation Center, the construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue with construction of the exterior building structure and internal building component installation.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/557/Beaver-Street-Interceptor-BSI-Project

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project: Construction Updates ~ Monday (9/8) through Friday (9/12)

RT. 140 (West Central Street) Lane Closure Alert!

Monday, September 8th, the Contractor will continue with the installation of the sewer force main within RT. 140 (West Central Street). The work will be contained within the southbound lane from Burger King to Beaver Street. During this time there will be daily lane closures on RT. 140 from 7am to 4pm. Please use caution when traveling in this area and follow all posted signs.  

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project:
Construction Updates

Beaver Street Pump Station:

At the Franklin Recreation Center, the construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue with construction of the exterior building structure and internal building component installation.

Keep Franklin Flowing - Beaver Street Interceptor Project

Please reference the interactive map and posted signs for details and updates.

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/557/Beaver-Street-Interceptor-BSI-Project

We appreciate the public's continued support and understanding and will continue to communicate regularly via social media, our dedicated email list, and the construction map as work progresses.

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project: Construction Updates ~ Monday (8/25) through Friday (8/29)

BEAVER STREET ROAD CLOSURE NOTICE!!

Continuing on Monday (8/25) thru Wednesday (8/27), Beaver Street will be closed at the MBTA train tracks between 7am to 4pm.  Those needing to access 242-290 Beaver Street will be able to do so using Rt. 140 only. This includes access to Franklin Glass, Panera Fresh Dough Facility and Franklin Recreation. 

Access to all other locations on Beaver Street, including the Town of Franklin Recycling Center, Beaver Street Recreation Area, and the businesses on Master Drive will be accessed from Grove St. 

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project

Starting Thursday (8/28) thru Friday (8/29) the Construction crew will be working off the road on Fisher Street. Limited to no traffic impacts are expected.

At the Franklin Recreation Center, the construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue with construction of the exterior building structure and internal building component installation. 

UPCOMING LANE CLOSURE ON RT 140 (West Central Street)

Starting Tuesday, September 2nd, the Contractor will start the installation of the sewer force main within RT. 140 (West Central Street). The work will be contained within the southbound lane from Burger King to Beaver Street. During this time there will be lane closures on RT. 140. Please use caution when traveling in this area and follow all posted signs.

For additional information -> https://www.franklinma.gov/557/Beaver-Street-Interceptor-BSI-Project

Beaver St. Interceptor Project: Construction Updates ~ Monday (8/4) through Friday (8/8) -> Beaver Street will be closed at the MBTA train tracks

Monday (8/4) thru Tuesday (8/5) the contractor will be performing test pit excavations on Rt. 140 in the southbound lane from Burger King to Beaver Street.

During this time there will be a rolling lane closure. Please use caution when traveling in this area and follow all posted signs.

BEAVER STREET ROAD CLOSURE NOTICE!!

Starting Wednesday (8/6) thru Friday (8/8)  Beaver Street will be closed at the MBTA train tracks during the day between 7 AM to 4 PM.  

Those needed to access 242 to 290 Beaver Street will be able to use Rt. 140 only.  This includes access to Franklin Glass, Panera Fresh Dough Facility and Franklin Recreation. Access to all other locations on Beaver Street, including the Town of Franklin Recycling Center, Beaver Street Recreation Area, and the businesses on Master Drive will be accessed from Grove St.

 

At the Franklin Recreation Center, the construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue with construction of the exterior building structure and internal building component installation.

Shared from -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/557/Beaver-Street-Interceptor-BSI-Project

Beaver St. Interceptor Project: Construction Updates ~ Monday (7/28) through Friday (8/1)

The construction crew will be working off the road on Fisher Street adjacent to the MBTA Tracks. Limited to no traffic impacts are expected.

Starting Wednesday (7/30) the contractor will be performing test pit excavations on Rt. 140 in the southbound lane from Burger King to Beaver Street. During this time there will be a rolling lane closure. Please use caution when traveling in this area and follow all posted signs.

Beaver St. Interceptor Project: Construction Updates

NO WORK on Beaver Street - On either side of the MBTA tracks Beaver Street will have steel plates to allow for traffic to pass over.  Please use caution when traveling in this area.  

At the Franklin Recreation Center, the construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue with construction of the exterior building structure and internal building component installation.

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/557/Beaver-Street-Interceptor-BSI-Project

Franklin Glass is Open via RT 140 this week due to sewer construction

Please note: the week of May 19th - May 23rd, our showroom and shop will only be accessible from Route 140. ⁠

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We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience during construction in the area.

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DJzzXWTTy7-/

Additional info on the Beaver St construction updates ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/557/Beaver-Street-Interceptor-BSI-Project

Franklin Glass is Open via RT 140 this week due to sewer construction

Update to Beaver St. Interceptor Project for week of Feb 24 to Feb 28, 2025

Monday (2/24) through Friday (2/28): The construction crew will be conducting the jack and bore trenchless installation of the new sewer under Rte. 140. The work will be occurring off the road at 38 Pond St. and within the Franklin Village Mall area. No traffic impacts are expected.

Update for week of Feb 24 to Feb 28, 2025

At the Franklin Recreation Center, the construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue with removal of formwork, damp proofing of the concrete and backfilling of the structure.

Please reference the interactive map and posted signs for details and updates.

Shared from -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/557/Beaver-Street-Interceptor-BSI-Project

This Town Council Quarterbacking session recaps the 4 hour Council meeting in about 25 minutes (audio)

FM #1229 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1229 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. The Council met on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 for the first of their 2 normal meetings for June.  Our schedules coordinated to talk on Thursday morning to recap the long 4 hour session the night before..

We look to focus on 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

Topics for this session:

• Electric Youth high point of session

• Verizon cable contract renewal

• Farmers Market licenses for La Cantina, Blisspoint Meadery

• Public Hearing on King St business zoning proposal

• Moved to second reading by 5-4 vote

• Final approval requires 6 Yes votes

• Friendly 40b approved by 5-4 vote

• Still needs to work through the permit process, etc.

• Zoning bylaws referral to Planning Board

• 3 measures regarding MBTA compliance

• Mixed use zoning definition

• EDC recommendation changed on parking minimums

• Still to come back to Council for discussion & vote

• TA Emergency shelter update

• No town funds spent for anything

• Schools reimbursed from State for their additional support costs

The recording runs about 26 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Tom.

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1230-town-council-quarterbacking-06-06-24

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The Franklin TV broadcast 06/05/24  ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ps1PnsDuPwE 

Agenda and supporting documents -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/june_5_2024_town_council_meeting_agenda.pdf 

My notes for this meeting  captured via Twitter can be found in one PDF file -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/190oyby8h5rC5ivDqN4lKAOV5PBP2UCM4/view?usp=drive_link 

-------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

This Town Council Quarterbacking session recaps the 4 hour Council meeting in about 25 minutes (audio)

Town Council approves 2 license transactions, listens to friendly 40b proposal & postpones vote to enable further work on proposal (video)

The Franklin Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. 8 members were present in Chambers, 1 participated remotely. The Council Chambers were over capacity with residents present for one or more of the topics for discussion on the agenda.

The Franklin TV broadcast of the 4 hour session is available for replay on YouTube ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4WPC4cB_S4

Agenda and supporting documents for this session -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/april_10_2024_town_council_meeting_agenda.pdf

Quick recap:

• Approved license transaction for Table & Vine, mostly paperwork and ownership changes due to the family estate planning with no impact on the daily operations of the beer & wine license in operation at the Big Y
• Approved the all alcohol license transfer for Dacey's Market with restrictions to maintain current operation. 
• Long discussion on the proposed friendly 40b to be built in the land currently held by the Stobbart's Nursery. Multiple issues and questions were raised, many were not yet answered so in light of that the Council chose to have the administration and departments work with the developer and neighbors to work on the items in question before coming back to the Council
• As this is the second friendly 40b, and there are multiple issues raised, the process could be revised to better address some of the process issues (notification to abutters, clarification on what the Council vote really means, etc.)
• Resolution 24-17: Local Acceptance of GL Chapter 166 Section 32A was approved. Apparently this resolves a potential conflict where a part-time inspector is also prohibited from doing work in the Town. Whatever electrical work would be performed would still require inspection by another individual to avoid conflict of interest
• Another happy occasion for the Council to thank the individuals/businesses for their contribution to Resolution 24-18: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Department ($2,250), Senior Center ($1,500), Franklin Historical Museum (~$600)
• During the Town Administrator's report, Jamie revealed he was reinstating suspended Director Robert "Brutus" Cantoreggi effective Thursday, April 11. A web page would be published with all the information involved in reaching this decision

My notes captured via Twitter can be found in one PDF file -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1labnvYVykW4HGk01mHIQDk7d725ikuLn/view?usp=drive_link

Photo album with the slides as captured during the presentation on Wednesday

https://photos.app.goo.gl/WC1n843rA3AQwjTg7

listens to friendly 40b proposal & postpones vote to enable further work on proposal

Beaver Street Interceptor Construction begins 11/6, ground breaking ceremony 11/9

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI)

 

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE:

Construction activities will begin Monday, November 6, 2023. For more information, please use the interactive map below.

JOIN US!

Groundbreaking Ceremony - 11:00 am on Thursday, 11/9/23 at Franklin Recreation Office (275 Beaver Street Franklin).

 

Beaver Street Interceptor Rehabilitation/Replacement Project

This project consists of the replacement and repair of Franklin's largest piece of sewer infrastructure, originally constructed in 1914

Beaver Street Interceptor Construction begins 11/6, ground breaking ceremony 11/9

 

 This site and map will be updated on a weekly basis to convey upcoming construction activities for the Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Construction project.

Interested in receiving email updates regarding the
Beaver Street Interceptor Rehabilitation/Replacement Project?
Please subscribe here (select Beaver Street Interceptor from the list).

History
The Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) was originally constructed in 1914 and discharged to the former Franklin Wastewater Treatment Plant on Pond Street (aka, the sewer beds). Currently, the BSI conveys over 70% of the Town's sewage with an average daily flow (ADF) of approximately 1.5 million gallons per day (MGD) of sewage flow through the pipeline. The interceptor includes 59 manholes and approximately 2.3 miles (11,932 LF) of 16-inch to 24-inch cast iron (CI) pipe, reinforced concrete (RC) pipe, and vitrified clay (VC) pipe. The BSI extends from the intersection of Cottage Street and Union Street to the easement behind Pond Street, near the Interstate 495/Route 140 interchange, where it discharges to the Mine Brook Interceptor. Due to its age, the risk and consequence of failure, and the percentage of the Town's sewer flows conveyed by the interceptor, the BSI is considered Franklin's most critical sewer asset.

The BSI, constructed in 1914, has been in continuous service for 108 years. Other than routine maintenance, no improvements to the interceptor have been made since its construction. Since 2003, the Town has contracted for cleaning, internal investigation, and condition assessment of the BSI on a recurring 5-year basis. Extensive manhole inspections and cleaning and closed-circuit television (CCTV) inspection of the pipes were last completed in 2013 and 2014, respectively. Results of these investigations have shown signs of increasing deterioration and worsening conditions of the pipes and manholes, most notably increased tuberculation, cracks, manhole and pipeline infiltration, and root intrusion.

Rehabilitation/Repair Project Description
The Project is located in the Town of Franklin, MA in Norfolk County. The current interceptor is in need of replacement. Therefore, the Town proposes rehabilitation, replacement, and general improvements to the interceptor as well as a new pump station on the property at 275 Beaver Street, Franklin, MA. The proposed project provides the most cost-effective, long-term solution to the BSI's capacity and structural deficiencies, human health and environmental risks, accessibility and operation and maintenance challenges, by abandoning and rerouting sewers in the most risk-prone and problematic, inaccessible areas. The work of the Project to reroute sewers is being undertaken, in part, to move sewers out of wetland resource areas at the same time as making other improvements. 

The Project includes the following key components:

• New 6 MGD Beaver Street Pump Station and 4,000 LF of 18-inch Force Main from the pump station to discharge at Pond Street.
• Rehabilitation of 6,100 LF of BSI using Cured in Place Pipe Lining (CIPPL)
• Installation of 6,000 LF of new gravity sewers
• The work will take place at 5 MBTA/Keolis Railroad Crossings including 3 pipe replacements using jack and bore technique and 2 pipe rehabilitation locations using CIPPL.
• Abandonment of BSI from Panther Way to Franklin Village Plaza and Route 495 crossing

For additional information see links below:

Alternative Analysis:
Beaver St Interceptor Alternatives Analysis
Appendix A-Manhole Inspection Logs-May 2013
Appendix B-CCTV Inspection Logs-August 2014 to September 2014
Appendix C-Hydraulic Model Technical Memorandum
Appendix D-BSI Replacement-Franklin Town Council Meeting Presentation-10/21/20
Appendix E Project Cost Estimates

Presentations:
Interceptor Town Council Presentation Update June 2022
Interceptor Alternatives Analysis Town Council Presentation 10/21/20

Notice of Intent-Conservation Commission:
Notice of Intent Packet-Franklin Conservation Commission Submittal
Project Site Overview Figure

Media Coverage:
What is the Beaver St Interceptor? Why does it need to be replaced? -TUESDAY, JULY 26, 2022 (https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/beaver-street-interceptor )

Schedule:
December 21, 2022 - Advertise for Bids
https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/beaver-st-interceptor-rehabilitationreplacement-and-new-beaver-st-pump-station)

(https://www.milforddailynews.com/public-notices/notice/12/21/2022/bids-beaver-street-pump-station-legal-2022-12-21-the-milford-daily-news-massachusetts-0cc175) 

March 8, 2023 - Bid Opening

June 15, 2023 - Anticipated Contact Award

Fall/Winter 2023 - Anticipated Construction Start

Summer 2026 -  Anticipated Construction Completion

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/beaver-street-interceptor