NANTUCKET – An $80 million expansion of the Nantucket sewer system to more than 800 properties in Madaket was approved Monday night by town meeting voters.
Two separate articles needed for the project to move forward also passed. Residents rejected an attempt to delay a decision on the project until next spring.
Scientists have identified nitrogen from leaching septic tanks as one of the three major contributors to diminishing water quality in Nantucket’s waters.
“Madaket sewers are extremely important to prevent nitrogen pollution to the groundwater,” Nantucket Health Director Roberto Santamaria previously said.
“What people don’t realize is that it’s not just nitrogen that gets into the groundwater, it’s aldehydes, it’s benzenes, everything from dishwashers to antibiotics.”
In other Nantucket town meeting action, voters approved an article that will evaluate issues surrounding plans to build a new nursing home.