Town of Franklin: All about the sewer system, yes we have capacity for growth (audio)

Following on from the water system, we spent sometime on the sewer system. Doug Martin, Franklin’s Water and Sewer Superintendent and Jake Standly, the Assistant Water/Sewer Superintendent and spent time on the sewer flow from flush to Charles River Treatment. Also in a 3-part series that can be found on the Town of Franklin page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/news/franklin-matters-conversations-regarding-franklins-sewer-services-doug

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

FM #1026 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1026 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. This is one of three in a series exploring the status and operations of the Franklin’s Water & Sewer Division. During 2021, we did a 3-part series on the water supply. With the Beaver St interceptor project starting later this year, we decided to cover the sewer side of the business. A little more dirty talk although we do start out with some updates on water.

Part 1 - approx. 25 minutes

• PFAS - the EPA is looking to update their regulation

• Mitigation of PFAS for Well 7 is costly and starting later this year

• If the proposed regulations go through, it will be more costly as "60% of our water sources are currently above that (proposed) threshold"

• Likely water rate increase coming in a future year (TBD)

• New diagram shows lines of responsibility for water (and sewer) between Town and property owners

• What to flush or not flush (3 P's - poop, pee & (toilet) paper)

Part 2 - approx. 42 minutes

• We get into the core of the sewer system, historical design (or lack thereof)

• Beaver St interceptor, construction overview and project plan

• System capacity (both water & sewer), annual conservation measures

• Oct 14 - Touch a Truck, hydrant painting, snow plow naming contest, and reveal of communication plan for the Beaver St construction project

Part 2 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/07/all-about-town-of-franklin-sewer_02109748944.html

Part 3 - approx. 27 minutes

• We get to the sewer budget and rate increases approved for FY 2024, FY 2025, FY 2026

• Review of the projects being completed or being worked, and planned for near term

• Sahlin circle (final touches)

• Monterrey Dr off Pleasant St (Jan/Feb - awaiting pump delivery)

• Phase 7 lining - this summer

• next level of I&I study

• asset mgt grant

• easement clearing & mapping

• Good things about the community cooperation

• Last but not least mention of the lead service connections (not supposed to be many)

The final section includes a budget recap which summaries as the following:

• $500K for expenses, 

• approx. $1M for personnel

• $3.4M for Charles River flow and assessment

• $1M for project debt and interest payments

Part 3 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/07/all-about-town-of-franklin-sewer_0306615856.html

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

Audio Part 1 -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1026-tof-all-about-sewer-series-06-14-23-part-1-of-3

Audio Part 2 -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1027-tof-all-about-sewer-series-06-14-23-part-2-of-3

Audio Part 3 -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1028-tof-all-about-sewer-series-06-14-23-part-3-of-3/

The Beaver Street Interceptor Project will continue to run through 2026. You can get updates on the Town page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/beaver-street-interceptor-project

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Construction Update for the Week of September 3

Monday (9/2) - No Work HAPPY LABOR DAY!

Tuesday (9/3) - The construction crew will be working on Grove Street from Rt. 140 south towards the MBTA train tracks between the hours of 7 AM - 4 PM. Grove Street will be open to one way traffic only from RT. 140 towards Forge Hill Road. Please follow posted detour signs for directions.

Wednesday (9/4) - Friday (9/6) - The construction crew will be working on West Central St between Rt 140 and Forge Pkwy between the hours of 7 AM - 4 PM. West Central St will be closed in both directions. Please follow posted detour signs for directions.

At the Franklin Recreation Center, the construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue with excavation to get the final grade depth for the pump station foundation.

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Construction Update for the Week of September 3

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/FranklinDPW/posts/pfbid02KDb6AAxrP38hJ4nrgdjRnyH2xaSBfuV9sQU514BQzyH5B7tah57bDPqAezDeu71Gl

Visit the BSI Project page for additional info -> https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/beaver-street-interceptor-project

Beaver Street Interceptor: Construction Scheduled for week of July 8 - July 13, 2024

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI)

 

Beaver Street Interceptor

BSI Construction Update for the Week of July 8!

Monday (7/8) - Friday (7/13) the construction crew will be working  on Rt. 140 at the Grove Street intersection between the hours of 7am - 4pm. Expect lane closures as the work progresses.

At the Franklin Recreation Center, the construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue with the driving of the sheeting. 

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

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 below as work progresses.


BEAVER STREET INTERCEPTOR HOTLINE: 508-553-5526
(PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE AND WE WILL RETURN YOUR CALL)
EMAIL: BSI-info@franklinma.gov

Beaver Street Interceptor: Construction Schedule for week of July 8 - July 13, 2024

 

Shared from -> https://apexmapping.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/sidebar/index.html?appid=8aa942ac0c4c4942826c3bf83ef253ae

Beaver Street Interceptor: construction updates for week of July 1 through July 5

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) 

 

 

 

BSI Construction Update for the Week of July 1!

Happy 4th of July!!

Starting Monday (7/1) thru Wednesday (7/3) between 7am to 5pm, the cleaning and lining of the existing Beaver Street Interceptor will be occurring on Hayward Street from Fisher Street to the Moseley Mill.   During this time by-pass pumping will be set up and should not cause any service disruptions.

At the Franklin Recreation Center, the construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue this week. There is a new way in and out of the Recreation Center, please follow the posted signage. During times of drop off and pickup backup onto Beaver Street may occur.

No work will be occurring on July 4th and 5th. 

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

Beaver Street Interceptor: construction updates for week of July 1 through July 5

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 below as work progresses.

BEAVER STREET INTERCEPTOR HOTLINE: 508-553-5526
(PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE AND WE WILL RETURN YOUR CALL)
EMAIL: BSI-info@franklinma.gov

 

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

Beaver Street Interceptor: Construction Updates for week of June 17 - June 21

 

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Construction Update 

for the Week of June 17th!

Monday (6/17) - Friday (6/21) the construction crew will be moving over to Rt. 140 at Grove Street to start construction of the new sewer main that will be crossing from Grove St, through Rt. 140 onto West Central Street. Expect lane closures on Rt. 140 at the Grove Street intersection as this work progresses.  

Also, there will be a limited crew working inside sewer manholes on Old West Central from Pond Street to Tri-County Drive (behind Starbucks).  Only lane shifts might be required and access to the adjacent medical buildings and residences along this area will not be impacted.

At the Franklin Recreation Center, the construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue this week. There is a new way in and out of the Recreation Center, please follow the posted signage. During times of drop off and pickup backup onto Beaver Street may occur.

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

Beaver Street Interceptor: Construction Updates for week of June 17 - June 21

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 below as work progresses.

BEAVER STREET INTERCEPTOR HOTLINE: 508-553-5526
(PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE AND WE WILL RETURN YOUR CALL)
EMAIL: BSI-info@franklinma.gov

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.

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

Beaver Street Interceptor - construction & detours for the week of May 28 - May 31, 2024

Beaver Street Interceptor

 

Beaver Street Interceptor 

 

 

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE WEEK OF MAY 27:

No Work on Monday May 27th - Memorial Day - Remember and Honor those who serve our country!

On Tuesday 5/28/2024, the Contractor will be performing water transfers to the new water main located on Old West Central from Tri County Drive to Dunkin Donuts.  Those residents affected by this will be notified and will have a temporary water service interruption with the potential for no water service to your property between the hours of 7:30 AM and 4:00 PM.

Work will continue on the dead end section of Old West Central serving Ledgewood Condominiums and Franklin Crossing.  Between the hours of 7am to 4pm the dead end section of Old West Central serving Ledgewood Condominiums and Franklin Crossing will continue to be closed at Tri-County Drive.  Those residents should continue to follow the posted signs for directions on exiting and entering. 

Starting Wednesday (5/29), the installation of sewer main on Rt. 140 from Dunkin Donuts towards Wendy's will begin.   This work will occur during the day between the hours of 9am and 3PM.   Expect lane shifts/closures and traffic delays due to active roadwork.

Starting Tuesday night (5/28), the cleaning and lining of the existing Beaver Street Interceptor will be occurring on Cottage Street from Union to Saxon.  

On Wednesday night (5/29), the cleaning and lining crew will be working in the easement between Hayward Street and Beaver Street behind Master Drive. This work will occur at night, during times of low flow, between the hours of 9pm and 5am.  

Work will also continue within the sewer easement between Pond Street and the Brookview Condos.  The cleaning and lining of the existing 24-inch Beaver Street Interceptor is complete and the contractor will be removing the by-pass pump system. Those residents that will be affected by this work have been notified. 

At the Franklin Recreation Center, the construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will begin this week.  There will be a new way in and out of the Recreation Center, please follow the posted signage.  During times of drop off and pickup backup onto Beaver Street may occur. 

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

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 below as work progresses.

BEAVER STREET INTERCEPTOR HOTLINE: 508-553-5526
(PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE AND WE WILL RETURN YOUR CALL)
EMAIL: BSI-info@franklinma.gov

 

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.

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).

Beaver Street Interceptor - construction & detours for the week of May 28 - May 31, 2024

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

Franklin Ridge Booster Pump Station - Invitation for Bid

IFB - Franklin Ridge Booster Pump Station

In accordance with MGL c. 30 section 39m, it is the intention of the Town of Franklin to retain the services of a company for the Franklin Ridge Booster Pump Station Project in the Town of Franklin.

Additional Information:  Franklin Ridge Booster Pump Station Project

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/ifb-franklin-ridge-booster-pump-station

Franklin Ridge Booster Pump Station - Invitation for Bid

In this Talk Franklin episode, we talk public works with the folks in the DPW (audio) - 02/22/24

"In this episode, we talk public works with the folks in the DPW who manage the infrastructure we don't usually see, and the roads/grounds we do see, and everything else in between! Plus a little fun with music and top hit songs about roads."

FM #1147 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1147 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares a new format for "Talk Franklin'' with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Deputy Administrator Amy Frigulietti. 

This episode features a conversation with many of the key folks from the Department of Public Works. We recorded our discussion in person in the 3rd floor Training Room on Thursday, February 22, 2024.

Topics for this session

Water & Sewer

Beaver Stream Interceptor

PFAS mitigations

Stormwater

New fee abatement cycle opens April 1

Trash & recycling

Composting coming

GIS (graphical information service)

The storymaps and the “data”

Fleet management

Over 200 registered vehicles

Another 80 unregistered devices (large & small)

Always looking for efficiencies

Engineering

Baron Road out to bid for work this year (ARPA funded)

Highway/ & Grounds

The most visible working section of the DPW

The recording runs about 96 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie, Amy & the DPW group on Thursday, February 22, 2024

Audio link -> https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/letstalkfranklin/episodes/Talk-Franklin--a-podcast-from-the-Town-Administrators-Office---February-22--2024-e2ga87e/a-ab0n2nm

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

Town Administrator page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator

Talk Franklin podcast page -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin 

DPW top page  https://www.franklinma.gov/public-works 

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

Stormwater https://www.franklinma.gov/stormwater-division 

GIS https://www.franklinma.gov/gis-department 

Engineering   https://www.franklinma.gov/engineering 

Highway & Grounds  https://www.franklinma.gov/highwaygrounds-division 

A new “Talk Franklin” version of “Family Feud” 

Sparked some discussion, laughter, and “why was that left out?”

https://drive.google.com/file/d/111umQfHbvRTcxCAQaLmjZhXMHIm6kYMR/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"

In this Talk Franklin episode, we talk public works with the folks in the DPW (audio) - 02/22/24

Beaver Street Sewer Interceptor Replacement Project Groundbreaking Ceremony

Today (11/09/23) the Town of Franklin kicked off the Beaver Street Sewer Interceptor Replacement Project at the Franklin Recreation Center located at 275 Beaver Street.  

Town Council Chair, Tom Mercer, welcomed everyone to the groundbreaking and declared “the rehabilitation and realignment of the Beaver Street Interceptor will provide the most cost-effective, long-term solution to the Interceptor’s capacity and structural deficiencies, and will improve accessibility, operational and maintenance challenges as well as environmental impacts for the Town”. 

(l-r) Town Councilor Ted Cormier-Leger, Council Chair Tom Mercer, Commissioner Bonnie Heiple of MassDEP, Liz Taglieri, ED of the Charles River PCD, DPW Director Robert Cantoreggi, & Town Administrator Jamie Hellen

The Beaver Street Interceptor has been in continuous service for 108 years and is considered Franklin’s most critical sewer asset, conveying almost 70 percent of the Town’s sewage with an average daily sewage flow of approximately 1.5 million gallons per day through the pipeline. Other than routine maintenance, no improvements to the interceptor have been made since its original construction in 1914.

According to Franklin’s Department of Public Works Director, Robert Cantoreggi, extensive manhole inspections and cleaning and closed-circuit television inspection of the pipes were last completed in 2013 and 2014. Results of these investigations showed signs of increasing deterioration and worsening conditions of the pipes and manholes, most notably increased tuberculation, cracks, manhole and pipeline infiltration, and root intrusion.

“Due to its age, the risk and consequence of failure, environmental impacts, and the percentage of the Town’s sewer flows conveyed by the interceptor it is imperative we undertake this project and keep Franklin flowing,” stated Cantoreggi. 

Beaver Street Sewer Interceptor Replacement Project

Liz Taglieri, Executive Director of the Charles River Pollution Control District, recognized the Town’s proactive efforts toward infrastructure and safety. “Seeing the Town of Franklin invest in such a critical piece of its sewer infrastructure demonstrates just how much the Town values its responsibility to safely and effectively collect and transport the wastewater, ensuring the health and safety of not only the Town of Franklin, but also its neighboring communities.”  

The cost of this project will total more than $33 million. The Town was able to secure funding for this project through the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) Division of Municipal Services and State Revolving Fund (SRF) low-interest loan and principal forgiveness program. This program assists cities and towns to improve drinking water, stormwater and wastewater facilities and infrastructure to comply with federal and state quality requirements. Commissioner Bonnie Heiple of MassDEP was present for the groundbreaking ceremony. 

The climate crisis has brought significantly increased rainfall and storm impacts that can overwhelm infrastructure that was designed for a different time,” said Commissioner Heiple. “We are pleased to help bring this important project to fruition, as it will have tangible benefits to both public health and the environment.”

The Rehabilitation and Realignment of the Beaver Street Interceptor will improve environmental impacts, access, maintenance, and sanitary sewer overflows. The interceptor includes 59 manholes and approximately 2.3 miles of pipe, extending 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. The projects consists of re-routing a portion of the existing interceptor, rehabilitating 6,100 linear feet of cured-in-place pipe lining, replacing 2,600 linear feet of the interceptor, upsizing of portions of the interceptor, installing 6,000 linear feet of new force main and gravity sewers, abandonment of 5,000 linear feet of the interceptor, and the construction of one new pump station and its associated force mains.

The interceptor project is extensive and is anticipated to take about 30 months to complete, starting in the fall of 2023 and ending in the summer of 2026.

For more information on the project please visit the Department of Public Works website at https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/beaver-street-interceptor.