Wastewater Management

Study Begins on Island

A comprehensive wastewater management study for the Vineyard started Monday with a meeting at the Martha’s Vineyard Commission with the consultants and members of the study advisory committee.

The purpose of the study is to identify and evaluate ways to address state requirements for on-site septic waste disposal, as well as reductions in nitrogen-loading expected in the wake of the Massachusetts Estuaries Project study.

The study will explore different management structures, different ways to reduce nitrogen-loading in the groundwater and various wastewater diposal techniques.

The study is also intended to serve as an interim stage in the movement toward a comprehensive wastewater management plan for the Vineyard.

Engineering firm Wright Pierce has been selected to work on the plan with the committee.

A meeting with members of boards from all Island towns is scheduled for June to offer an opportunity at an early stage of the work to participate and express their concerns.

More information is available by calling Bill Wilcox at the commission at 508-693-3453, extension 17.