Due to cost and current zoning,
at this time the Friends of West Acton recommend:
Vote No to the West Acton Sewer Extension Proposal on Dec. 10, 2019
West Acton homeowners would pay much more with sewers
Sewers + current zoning = high-density housing and traffic
South Acton's sewer fee would likely increase
Incorrect Assertions by the Town
Fact Check
For homeowners, the cost of sewers is similar to the cost of septic systems in West Acton.
1.
Sewers would be much more expensive for West Acton homeowners.
The average cost of septic system replacement in West Acton is $35,000.
2.
On average, West Acton homeowners spend $30,000 to replace their septic systems.
West Acton homeowners spend an average of $300-$600 per year to maintain their septic systems.
3.
West Acton homeowners (assuming pumping every two years) spend $170 per year to maintain septic systems.
Sewer fees for South Acton users will go down if the sewer is expanded to West Acton.
5.
Sewers fees are more likely to increase if the sewer is expanded to West Acton.
Septic systems fail more frequently in West Acton than in surrounding areas.
7.
West Acton septic systems fail inspections less frequently than average in Acton.
The Natural Resources Conservation Service considers the soil in West Acton to be of "very limited" suitability for septic systems.
8.
West Acton soil has the same rating as 97% of rated land in Middlesex County, as well as most of Massachusetts.
Sewers are better for the environment than septic systems.
9.
Septic systems are better for the environment and the community.
Low-pressure sewers are a reliable technology.
10.
Low-pressure sewers are high-cost, require emergency repairs and need a back-up generator to ensure water use during power outages.
The new Douglas/Gates school would benefit from sewers.
11.
The new Douglas/Gates school would spend more on sewers than septic.
Sewers are good for local businesses.
12.
Sewers would cause some businesses to leave and an increase in high-density housing and traffic in West Acton.
Sewers are needed in West Acton due to proximity to Fort Pond Brook and high groundwater.
13.
Neither proximity to Fort Pond Brook nor groundwater justify sewering West Acton.
Acton's population increased rapidly in the 1960's, but its population has now stabilized.
14.
Acton's population is increasing at a faster rate than any of its neighboring towns.
