Article 16 seeks Town Meeting approval for an easement that would allow National Grid to bring gas lines to the site of the new wastewater treatment plant on Buck Island Road. The easement is essential for powering the backup generators that will keep the facility operational during power outages.

Town Administrator Robert L. Whritenour stressed that this technical approval is a non-negotiable step in the town’s massive sewer rollout. We're going to give an easement to National Grid to bring the gas line in... if we don't do that, we don't have a wastewater treatment plant that can operate, Whritenour explained.

The request follows earlier environmental concerns raised by the Conservation Commission regarding land clearing in the area. However, the administration maintains that the infrastructure is vital for the $207 million project to meet its scheduled opening in early 2028.