Finance Committee Meeting - August 6th, 2026 | Westford, MA

The Westford Finance Committee convened on August 6th, 2026, to discuss a reserve fund transfer request related to the Westford Academy wastewater treatment plant. The plant had received an administrative consent order from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) due to violations of its groundwater discharge permit, which had become more stringent because of the plant's proximity to a public water source. The committee reviewed a request for $60,445 to fund engineering studies, extensive sampling, and the purchase of a meter to evaluate and adjust the plant's processes to achieve compliance. The funds would cover consulting services, laboratory testing, and equipment rental. The committee unanimously approved the reserve fund transfer, with plans to replenish the reserve fund through a special town meeting warrant. The discussion also covered the regulatory context, potential consequences of non-compliance, and the possibility of future capital improvements if compliance could not be achieved through process adjustments.