Ayer Select Board Awards Grove Pond PFAS Contract, Reorganizes Leadership

AYER -- May 19, 2026, Ayer Select Board approves $235,600 PFAS media contract and reorganizes leadership at May 19 meeting. The board voted unanimously to award Calgon Carbon Corporation a 2026-to-2028 contract for ion exchange media replacement at the Grove Pond Water Treatment Plant, with the U.S. Army expected to cover the cost. Town Manager Robert briefed the board on a new electricity rate lock-in at 15 cents per kilowatt hour, up from the current 12 cents, effective November 1, after Constellation Energy warned market rates could reach 22 to 25 cents by year's end; the transition is projected to add $10,000 to $15,000 to the fiscal year 2027 budget. The board received an 18-month study from the 71 Sandy Pond Road Working Group projecting a total project cost of approximately $1.6 million across three phases, including a kayak launch, splash pad, fitness court, and nature trail on the 2.29-acre parcel purchased in 2024 for $700,000, but two working group members told the board the current concept plan "does not seem to have integrated the two properties" and lacks a destination draw. The board concluded by voting unanimously to name Chris Tavares as its new Chair.