The Marshfield Board of Public Works (BPW) opened a new chapter on Monday night, reorganizing its leadership following town elections before diving into a comprehensive review of the town’s water safety and looming infrastructure obligations. In a unanimous set of votes, the board appointed John Cusack as Chair, while Bob Shaughnessy was named Vice Chair and the board’s third member assumed the role of Clerk.

Superintendent Kenny provided a critical update on the status of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often called forever chemicals, within the town’s drinking water. Kenny reported that all 16 of Marshfield's wells remain in compliance with the current Massachusetts limit of 20 parts per trillion (ppt). Looking toward the future, he noted that 11 of those wells already meet the more stringent EPA limit of 4 ppt set for 2031. To illustrate the scale of these measurements, Kenny explained that a part per trillion... would be like one drop in 18 million gallons of water... the thickness of a human hair compared to 15 miles.

The discussion turned contentious when addressing reports that Duxbury officials had sampled Marshfield’s water without notification. J. Cusack criticized the move and subsequent social media reactions, stating, They're sending out posts on Facebook to try to make us think we're not in compliance, but we are. Resident Howard Nell sought clarification on how the transition from state to federal standards would affect reporting. Kenny confirmed that by 2031, the town must specifically isolate and report individual chemicals like PFOA and PFOS at the lower 4 ppt threshold.

Water quality remained at the forefront as the board awarded two significant testing contracts to Eurofins Drinking Water and Wastewater Northeast LLC. For the drinking water contract, Eurofins emerged as the low bidder after a discrepancy was discovered in a competing bid from Pace Analytical, which had failed to include a mandatory 10% markup for resampling. Motion Made by the Board Clerk to award water quality testing contract 202644 to Eurofins Drinking Water and Wastewater Northeast LLC for an estimated total of $223,733. Motion Passed (3-0-0).

A second contract for wastewater and groundwater testing at the high school was also secured by Eurofins. Motion Made by the Board Clerk to award wastewater lab testing contract 202619 to Eurofins Drinking Water and Wastewater Northeast LLC for an annual value of $26,223. Motion Passed (3-0-0).

Financial sustainability surfaced during the closeout of the Plymouth Avenue pump station project. While the board celebrated a reduction in final costs due to unused contingency funds, B. Shaughnessy voiced long-term concerns regarding the wastewater enterprise fund’s health. He noted that despite $2.3 million in ARPA grants and $6.7 million in loans, the burden on ratepayers is becoming unsustainable. In the end, the wastewater is going to get too expensive. It might go in the negative if we keep this up and don't get any help, Shaughnessy warned, adding that he hopes the new administration at town hall will address the funding split between the enterprise and general funds. Motion Made by the Board Clerk to approve balancing change order number five for a contract reduction of $14,069 and pay application number 14 for $437,164.34 to Bisco Building Systems. Motion Passed (3-0-0).

The board also signaled a hard line against developers at the intersection of Plain and School Streets. Despite claims of insolvency regarding the installation of required traffic lights, the board insisted the permit conditions must be met. J. Cusack was firm on the matter, noting that the subdivision won't open if the lights aren't built. B. Shaughnessy underscored the danger of the area, remarking, You never take a left out of Wendy's until they put the light in.

Public access frustrations boiled over during a discussion regarding the beach entrance at 28 Winslow Avenue Extension. J. Cusack reported that a private mailbox had been zip-tied to a town beach sign, causing it to bend, and alleged that a property owner had installed no trespassing signs on a public right-of-way. It's been 20 plus years of hell for everybody in that neighborhood. We should just fix it, Cusack said. Resident Mary Murphy questioned why the Beach Commissioner was utilizing separate engineers for road designs rather than the DPW’s internal staff, a move the board indicated still requires DPW final approval.

In preparation for the summer season, Kenny confirmed that beach barriers have been removed and line painting has commenced. He noted that stairs and trash barrels are slated for installation before Memorial Day. Mrs. Murphy urged the board to provide more consistent maintenance on the Esplanade, comparing it unfavorably to the barrels and frequency of care at Harbor Park. Kenny also reported that the town’s pothole recovery is in full swing, with 88 tons of cold patch applied so far this year.

Finally, the board moved to secure roughly $18,000 in annual state grants by adopting a new purchasing policy. Motion Made by the Board Clerk to adopt the Mass DEP Sustainable Purchasing Policy to maintain eligibility for the Recycling Dividends Program. Motion Passed (3-0-0). Kenny explained that the policy is a prerequisite for state aid, noting, Without a sustainable purchasing policy, no ticket, no entry.