The Upper Taunton Basin Wastewater Evaluation study is a 14-community two-phase effort to solve growing regional wastewater management needs. It is seeking solutions which will maximize use of existing and potential capacity of major treatment plants in Brockton, Taunton and Mansfield while disposing of treated wastewater close to its origins so as to meet the state  goal to “Keep Water Local.” The first phase, ending about December 2008, will review much data and identify options. A second phase will examine these options in detail through a comprehensive Environmental Impact Report and recommend a set of solutions.

 The study involves Abington,  Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, East Bridgewater, Easton, Foxboro, Mansfield, Norton, Raynham, Sharon, Taunton, West Bridgewater  and Whitman. These will be drawn on for a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) to advise the project’s consultants, Camp Dresser Mckee Inc. (CDM), Weston and Sampson, and Regina Villa Associates. The first, exploratory, phase is funded by the Department of Environmental Protection, the City of Brockton, Old Colony Planning Council and the US Army Corps of Engineers.

The effort follows several year’s efforts by the Old Colony Regional Wastewater Planning Committee. It is complemented by the separate, more habitat, water quality, and water budget-oriented Taunton River Watershed Study of more general issues in the whole Basin and the two studies will share findings.