NEWBURYPORT – The City of Newburyport’s Department of Public Services will be hosting an informational meeting on Wednesday, September 23 at 7:30 pm at PITA Hall to discuss an upcoming pilot study related to the Plum Island Sewer Vacuum System. The goal of the project is to pilot a new monitoring system that will assist the DPS Sewer Division with precisely locating and identifying issues within the sewer vacuum system. If successful, this monitoring system will help reduce response times and lessen demands placed on infrastructure and staff during an issue such as a loss of vacuum in the lines. The six-month pilot study will monitor 100 of the 630 pits on the island and allow the opportunity for DPS to determine the efficacy of this technology before committing to a full installation. The purpose of this informational session is to provide residents with details regarding installation.
What Plum Island residents can expect:
• Narrow trenches between roadside pits and air terminals to accommodate conduit and wiring for the new monitoring system
• A small excavator will be used to minimize ground disturbance and move as efficiently as possible
• Component hookups will follow, along with potential periodic inspections and testing
• Work is expected to take place from early October through mid-November
• Intermittent roadway closures may occur
• Advance notification will be provided regarding planned work and closures
• All project staff will be clearly identified with badges
The information session is open to all Plum Island residents, on both the Newbury and Newburyport sides. Residents are encouraged to attend to learn more about the pilot project and ask questions.
