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Sewer rates expected to spike in Merrimack amid $22M in upgrades
MERRIMACK — More than $22 million in upgrades to the town’s wastewater treatment plant are being proposed over the next two years, which is expected to increase sewer rates substantially.
If approved by voters next month, a portion of the overall project — at a cost of $13.1 million — will include improvements to the town’s main wastewater treatment plant, as well as two pump stations.
“We are planning to have a comprehensive upgrade of all of the components,” said Sarita Croce, assistant director of public works.
The facility is about 40 years old and some of the equipment is beyond its useful life span, according to Croce.
“We have several goals with this project,” she told voters during the town’s deliberative session this week.
The improvements are necessary in order to correct safety concerns with existing equipment, fix code-related deficiencies and address issues related to flushable wipes that are entering the plant, said Croce.