Officials in Glocester offer ‘coffee drop-in hours’ for information on village Septic Improvement Program

GLOCESTER – To inform the village's businesses and residents about the help offered by the Chepachet Village Septic Improvement Program, city officials will host a series of coffee hours in the coming months, the first of which is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 13 is. 22.

The program launched in September and provided technical and financial assistance to property owners in Chepachet through approximately $765,000 in grants. As part of a decades-long effort to spur economic and historic revitalization of the town center, the Septic Improvement Program aims to improve wastewater systems throughout the village, restore the quality of the Chepachet River, and reduce the number of properties using wastewater access systems at drinking water fountains.

The initiative focuses on properties within 200 feet of the river that currently rely on septic tanks, holding tanks and on-site wastewater treatment systems around public wells. Under the leadership of city planner Karen Scott, city officials are now exploring opportunities for innovative and alternative wastewater systems, educating property owners about the various options available and, where individual systems are not feasible, seeking opportunities for neighboring property owners to collaborate on mutually beneficial solutions.

Funding for the program came from grants from the Environmental Protection Agency, the Southeast New England Program and the American Rescue Plan Act. The money will be used to help property owners and residents in the village of Chepachet modernize the wastewater system to protect public health and the environment.

Anyone who would like more information about the program is welcome to take part in the coffee drop-in consultation hours in November, December and early January. Participants will have the opportunity to learn more about the program, ask questions or submit an expression of interest in an informal setting.

Coffee Hours will be held in Room 6 at Glocester City Hall, 1145 Putnam Pike, as follows:

• Friday, November 22nd, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m
• Tuesday, December 3rd, 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m
• Friday, December 13th, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m
• Friday, January 3, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m
• Tuesday, January 7th, 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m

For further information please contact: [email protected] or [email protected]