Billerica Acting Town Manager Issues River No-Swim Advisory After Framingham Sewage Spill

BILLERICA — July 31, 2024 — Billerica's acting town manager issued a no-swim advisory for local waterways after a Framingham sewer break released 500,000 gallons into the Sudbury River. Acting Town Manager Clancy Mayne, in the third episode of his "Town Hall Weekly" video series recorded July 31, said the spill occurred Tuesday roughly 26 miles upstream and that Billerica officials were awaiting drinking-water test results by late Wednesday afternoon. Residents were told to stay out of affected river sections through at least August 2. Mayne also displayed architectural renderings of the new recreation center approved at Town Meeting for the former Vining site, showing planned basketball and pickleball courts, a splash pad, and a new playground, with a bid process described as imminent. He additionally reported gathering resident input at Caulkins Park — with swings, a zip line, and general maintenance topping requests — and said a designer is refining plans for the former Dixon Park site to include a rehabilitated basketball court, playground improvements, a pavilion, and a perimeter walkway.