Executive Summary
The Sustainability and Infrastructure Committee met on June 29, 2026, to discuss several water and sewer infrastructure items, primarily focusing on a presentation from the advocacy group 'Save the Alewife Brook' regarding an alternative Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) plan. While several agenda items regarding water metering and public facilities were kept in committee due to the absence of the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management, the committee engaged in a lengthy discussion about the environmental and health impacts of sewage discharge into Alewife Brook. The advocates proposed a $229 million sewer separation project for Somerville, arguing that the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) should bear the full cost. The committee concluded by agreeing to strategize on potential policy orders and communications to the Mayor and state delegation to advocate for regional funding and more resilient infrastructure solutions.
Call to Order and Roll Call
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM by Chair Jesse Clingan. The meeting was conducted via remote participation pursuant to Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2025.
Roll Call Attendance:
- Councilor J.T. Scott: Present
- Councilor Emily Hardt: Present
- Chair Jesse Clingan: Present
Staff and Guests Present:
- Clerk Delaney
- Michael Linetto (Save the Alewife Brook)
- Kristen Anderson (Save the Alewife Brook)
- Beth Clark (Arlington Resident/Town Meeting Member)
- George (Nage)
Item 1: Approval of Minutes
The committee considered the approval of the minutes from the Sustainability and Infrastructure Committee meeting held on April 29, 2026.
- Action: The item was laid on the table for a vote at the end of the meeting.
- Final Outcome: Approved unanimously during the adjournment vote.
Items 2-5: Water, Sewer, and Public Facilities
The following items were briefly discussed but kept in committee because Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management Rich Raish was unavailable due to a conflicting CSO open house event:
- Item 2: Overview of water and sewer metering and billing practices.
- Item 3: Request for a portable restroom at Hoyt Sullivan Playground.
- Item 4: Discussion on the tiered residential base rate structure differentiating between 5/8-inch and 1-inch pipes.
- Item 5: Process for determining meter size requirements.
Key Discussion Points:
- Chair Clingan noted that the difference between a 5/8-inch and 1-inch meter can amount to approximately $500 per year for residents.
- The Chair emphasized that some residents are not given the option of meter size during installation, leading to unnecessary costs.
Main Event: Save the Alewife Brook Alternative CSO Plan
Kristen Anderson and Michael Linetto presented an alternative plan to address Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) in Alewife Brook.
Key Presentation Data:
- Environmental Impact: In 2023, 29 million gallons of untreated sewage were discharged into Alewife Brook. E. coli levels during storms are reportedly 950 times the EPA safe swimming standard.
- Critique of Current Draft Plan: The current $340 million plan is 99.9% storage-based and only 0.1% sewer separation. Advocates argue this is not climate-resilient.
- The Community Plan Proposal:
- Proposes 126 acres of sewer separation in Somerville.
- Estimated cost for Somerville projects: $229 million.
- Advocates demand that the MWRA fully fund these projects, citing the Boston Harbor cleanup court case (Second Stipulation).
- Claimed financial impact: The difference between the current plan and full elimination is approximately $99 per year per household across the MWRA system.
Direct Quote from Kristen Anderson:
"99.9% of the CSO control in the Alewife draft plan is storage and only 0.1% is sewer separation... In fact, 0% is sewer separation in Somerville. There is no sewer separation planned for Somerville at Alewife Brook."
Public Comment
The committee heard from members of the public regarding the Alewife Brook CSO issue:
- Beth Clark (Arlington Town Meeting Member): Urged the Somerville City Council to use its political power to demand MWRA funding and sewer separation. She stated, "We're asking for what was mandated by the court case... MWRA needs to pay for it."
- George (Nage): Recalled promises made 30 years ago during the Boston Harbor cleanup that all CSOs, including Alewife Brook, would eventually be closed. He urged the council to hold the MWRA accountable to those original commitments.
Committee Discussion and Strategy
Councilors discussed the political and financial challenges of the CSO mandates.
- Financial Burden: Chair Clingan and Councilor Hardt expressed frustration over the increasing water rates and the burden placed on Somerville residents compared to larger cities like Boston.
- MWRA Priorities: Discussion touched upon the MWRA's focus on freshwater redundancy (parallel pipes from Quabbin Reservoir) versus sewage mitigation.
- Next Steps: The committee agreed to work on a policy order or formal communication to the Mayor, the MWRA, and the state delegation.
- Action Item: Chair Clingan requested a draft policy order from the advocates to review after the summer break.
Adjournment
Councilor Scott moved to approve the minutes of April 29, 2026, and adjourn the meeting.
Roll Call Vote:
- Councilor Scott: Yes
- Councilor Hardt: Yes
- Chair Clingan: Yes
Outcome: Motion passed 3-0. The meeting adjourned at 7:19 PM.