Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Control Plan Public Meeting - June 2, 2026

This public meeting, hosted by Somerville GovTV on June 2, 2026, focused on the draft updated Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Control Plan for the Boston metropolitan area, including Cambridge and Somerville. The plan aims to eliminate CSOs by 2050 under future climate change conditions through a combination of sewer separation, large underground storage tanks, and other infrastructure improvements. The estimated cost of the recommended plan is approximately $1.3 billion, with total debt service projected to reach around $2 billion over several decades. Representatives from the cities and the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) discussed the technical details, financial impacts on sewer rates, and construction timelines. Significant rate increases are expected for Cambridge and Somerville residents, with average sewer bills potentially rising from $1,200 to over $3,000 annually by 2055. The meeting also addressed concerns about construction impacts, cost-sharing among municipalities, and coordination with other infrastructure projects. Public comments are being accepted through September 30, 2026, with two public hearings scheduled in September. The plan represents a major capital improvement project with long-term environmental and financial implications for the region.