Future of Orleans’ Water Quality Plan Remains Undecided

ORLEANS – Orleans is still trying to hash out the details of a water quality improvement plan.

The water quality consensus plan calls for 17 million shellfish to be planted across nine water bodies to remove excess nitrogen from the waterways.

But Selectman John Hodgson says the plan, which could require over 100 people to carry out, would require much more thought before the money is divvied.

The same applies, he said, to an alternative plan which would sewer parts of downtown.

“Depending on who you ask, you’re talking about $100-150 million dollars, that’s on top of a $10 million police station and $12 million DPW building,” he said. “So getting this right – while some people want to rush – is very critical.”

The oyster solution has been utilized by Mashpee and Falmouth in smaller scale to address their water quality concerns.

The selectman said the town is continuing to have brainstorming sessions in an effort to bring about a consensus of opinion.