Boothbay Harbor Sewer District Superintendent Chris Higgins reported the Route 96 sewer replacement project is nearing completion. The project – started late last year and picked back up in March – replaces dated piping with 2,800 feet of new piping and 13 new manholes from the intersection of Routes 27 and 96 through part of Eastern Avenue.

Higgins said crews would finish testing, cleaning and inspecting the new lines and begin restoring landscaping and, the week of April 13, continue cleanup and landscaping in preparation for paving.

“We have heard (plants) will be opening the week of April 13,” Higgins said. “Once the plants open, they will need to produce product that meets MeDOT specifications …”

Material will likely be available within a week after plants reopen and paving will be done on Route 96 by the end of April, said Higgins. “Depending on asphalt availability, the crew should be done ahead of schedule.”

Second relining project

BHSD Board of Trustees approved the planning and fund procurement to update the 1963 asbestos-lined piping on Route 27 from the Boothbay Region High School entrance to Eastern Avenue, from Bayberry House to Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library, Oak, Howard, Sea and West Streets, and Western Avenue.

“This work will not require any excavation and the relining will be performed from manhole to manhole,” Higgins said.

Wright-Pierce Engineers of Topsham estimated $960,000 for the work and BHSD is applying through U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development program. Higgins said a funding package typically includes a grant/loan combination, but no further details are available right now.

“With the state of the economy, funding and prices should prove very favorable. If all goes well, we hope to get this project moving later this fall or early next winter.”