Upgrade Info

The Hooksett Wastewater Treatment Plant is undergoing the last of three phases to update its facilities.

During Phase I, the pump station located at Martin’s Ferry Road was upgraded. This included a new more efficient generator, motors and pumps, as well as a new motor control center. The gallonage output was increased by 300 gallons per day.

In Phase II, a new clarifier was installed, as Federal regulations mandate that in the event of a failure of one clarifier, there is another to take its place at all times. Installing a second machine also helped to expand the capacity of the system, allowing more flow to be handled by the plant.

The chlorination process was also changed in this Phase, going from 100% chlorine gas (which is extremely dangerous with prolonged exposure), to 12% sodium hypochloride, which is much safer, as it is the equivalent of regular bleach.

Many of the plant’s systems were outdated, and parts were either hard to get or not manufactured anymore. Therefore new blowers, motor control centers, piping and plant water system were installed. A larger, more effective generator was also put in place. These changes will help improve plant operation, be more cost efficient, and will save energy over their aged counter parts.

Phase IIA includes many other improvements. A new dewatering machine will be installed, which will decrease the amount of material needing to be hauled away, which in turn decreases the high trucking charges the plant incurs to dispose of it. The plant will also be able to remove more phosphorous and extraneous nutrients from the outflow of the water entering the Merrimack River, further protecting the environment from undue stress. Other improvements will be a new chemical building, another blower, more yard piping and a new biological system. All of these