Updated CSO (Combined Sewer Overflow) Control Plan Public Hearing - October 28, 2026

The October 28, 2026, public hearing hosted by Somerville GovTV was the third and final hearing on the draft updated Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Control Plan, jointly developed by Somerville, Cambridge, and the MWRA. Officials described the planning timeline, public-comment process, and anticipated final report in 2027; comments were due October 30 at 11:59 p.m. No procurement decisions, contract awards, motions, or votes were taken at the hearing.

Most speakers urged the project partners and regulators to pursue stronger CSO controls, including virtual elimination, sewer separation, and green stormwater infrastructure, citing public-health, water-quality, flooding, and environmental-justice concerns. Speakers also objected to a proposed 10-million-gallon storage tank at Cambridge’s Magazine Beach and suggested considering other sites. One speaker cited an estimated $35.8 million cost for a proposed neighborhood storage project. These were public comments on the draft plan, not adopted decisions or spending approvals.