The Marion Board of Selectmen approved a feasibility study to look at the possibility of sewer regionalization with nearby towns, including Wareham and Bourne.

The regionalization effort is part of the town’s compliance with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit handed down in November.

The study will cost $24,000, which the Buzzards Bay Coalition has offered to donate.

If ultimately the town decides against regionalization, there is still a two year window to plan for phosphorous upgrade requirements for the wastewater treatment plant.

Officials learned in 2014 that the town's wastewater treatment facility would require extensive upgrades in order to be in compliance with new federal regulations for sewer plants. The upgrades would be required in order for the town to receive its operating permit for the plant, which needs to be renewed every five years.

Marion officials have been working for years to determine the best way to handle sewer service. With the plant running near capacity, either regionalization of service or paying for additional plant upgrades to increase capacity will be necessary.