LIVERMORE FALLS — In their roles as sewer trustees, selectmen received an update Tuesday on what is needed to upgrade the Livermore Falls Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Livermore Falls owns and operates the plant, which underwent a $5.8 million upgrade in late 1990s. Not everything was upgraded at that time, however, and some of the concrete at the plant is approaching 50 years old. The plant was built in the early 1970s.

Jay and Livermore Falls share the operation and maintenance costs of the plant. Those costs are based on sewage flow from each town. 

The cost of the 1998 upgrade was split, with Livermore Falls paying 51 percent and Jay 49 percent, Jay Sewer Department Superintendent Mark Holt said in 2008.

The plant has a capacity of handling 2 million gallons of wastewater a day.  

The preliminary estimate for construction costs in a new upgrade is about $7.7 million, with the total cost of the upgrade possibly reaching $10 million, including engineering work and required permits.

Holt and Livermore Falls Sewer Department Superintendent Greg Given plan to meet Thursday with engineers from Wright-Pierce of Topsham.

The superintendents plan to discuss with engineers the work that needs to be done, and if there is a way to lower its cost.

The preliminary proposal includes upgrades and changes to primary clarifiers, sludge holding tanks and chlorine contact chambers used in the treatment process.

The proposal includes construction of a two-bay garage and demolishment or removal of a large shed. Given said he would like to see the shed sold and removed.

Holt told trustees Tuesday there will be a number of funding options available, including a Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund. There could be principal forgiveness and grants available to help offset costs.

It will be up to Jay selectmen and Livermore Falls sewer trustees to develop a funding formula, if the upgrade is approved.

dperry@sunmediagroup.net

A primary clarifier at the Livermore Falls Wastewater Treatment Plant needs to be replaced, and is one of several upgrades needed. Preliminary estimate of the construction cost for the upgrade is about $7.7 million. (Donna M. Perry/Sun Journal) 

The sagging cement covers atop sludge holding tanks need to be replaced and the tanks need upgrading at the Livermore Falls Wastewater Treatment Plant. Livermore Falls and Jay sewer superintendents are reviewing options for upgrading the facility. (Donna M. Perry/Sun Journal)