Boothbay Harbor Sewer District (BHSD) has begun work on its phase 1 construction projects, Operator-in-Charge Chris Higgins told trustees Dec. 16. Crooker Construction has been conducting exploratory groundwork on BHSD property on Sea Street through test pits and radar scans to identify elevations, soil types and underground pipework.  

Once finished, Higgins said Crooker will likely begin procuring bypass equipment as BHSD’s pump station is being moved, and flow will need to be redirected. He estimates large-scale work will start by the end of February or March.  

In other business, trustees officially adopted their 2026 budget and user rates they approved Dec. 4. The budget, with depreciation included, is $2,411,917, and the user rate has increased by 7%.