Willard Ave. Sewer

The Department of Public Works began the process of a sewer separation project in the Union Street area in the spring of 2022. Although only the Union Street area falls within the Consent Decree zone, residents in the adjacent Willard Avenue area have complained about sewer odors, so the City will address that issue by installing separate sewer and stormwater mains in this area at the same time. As part of the City’s Wastewater Master Plan and Long Term Control Plan, separating wastewater from stormwater is an ongoing responsibility under the Consent Decree agreement between the City of Portsmouth and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES). The project involves the installation of three separate water mains: one for drinking water, one for wastewater and one for stormwater, along with reconstruction of the streets. The project will help reduce combined sewer overflows (CSOs) when the single pipe is flooded with stormwater in heavy rain events. 

This project included the reconstruction of the Willard Street area from Middle Street to Marston St. and includes Orchard St and Ash St.  The replacement of sidewalks, pavement, and underground utilities including new storm drains, sanitary sewers and water mains are all a part of the project. 

This project is part of the City’s continued sewer separation to reduce combined sewer overflows.