Sewer work at Houghton's Pond in Milton

STUDY ON REDUCING EMISSIONS - The state Department of Energy Resources has selected the Manomet Center for Conservation Services to lead a six-month study of issues related to reducing greenhouse-gas emissions by the planting of forests, which help remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The center, along with experts in forestry and conservation from other agencies, will recommend a series of criteria for meeting the Massachusetts Renewable Portfolio Standard. Later this month, the Manomet-led team will hold a public meeting in Western Massachusetts to introduce the project and solicit questions and comments from environmental organizations, regional planning commissions, the forest products industry, members of the public, and state agencies. Three additional presentations and discussion sessions will be held to review the project’s findings. “Biomass is an important renewable energy resource, but it must be developed in a way that is truly sustainable, maintaining our forests and protecting our environment for future generations,’’ said Ian Bowles, secretary of energy and environmental affairs. - Christine Legere

MURPHY GETS THE JOB - David Murphy was the unanimous choice of Randolph’s new Town Council last week to serve as town manager. Murphy has been the town’s executive secretary for a little under two years. As town manager, he will have significantly more authority, overseeing all departmental operations and appointing most new municipal officials. Murphy will also draw up the annual operational budget, which will then be reviewed by the Town Council. A screening committee had produced a list of three finalists for town manager. The other two were Robert Canevazzi and Paul Boushell, both of whom had experience as town administrators. - Christine Legere

MBTA TRACK WORK - The MBTA is continuing its rail tie replacement program for the next few weeks in the area between the Bridgewater commuter rail station and Brockton’s Campello station. In order to keep peak-hour trains rolling on schedule, the track work will be limited to 9:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., Monday through Friday. During that time, bus service between the two stations will replace rail service. Rail users may see delays of up to 25 minutes during the reconstruction, according to MBTA authorities. For commuter rail service information, including updated commuter rail advisories and alerts, log on to the MBTA website at www.mbta.com, or call the MBTA Customer Support Services Center at 617-222-3200.