Project Overview
The Mechanic Street Wastewater Pumping Station is the largest in the City. The City developed a Pump Station Master Plan to perform limited upgrades. Pump failures and flooding events required temporary pump installation and repairs in 2023 that underscore the need for a comprehensive replacement and upgrade program.
The City has contracted with the team of AECOM and Underwood Engineers to complete a feasibility study for a full facility replacement. The study is estimated to take 3-5 months (Aug-Dec 2024) to complete and will identify siting options and capacity needs for a new facility. The City anticipates to present concepts to the City Council and the community in early 2025 before moving forward with the project.
Project (EF-13-SD-97):
Project Status: Feasibility Study underway.
Estimated Cost: FY25 CIP Design Phase Costs: $4 Million. FY27 Construction Phase Costs: $21 Million.
Funding Source: The City is exploring State and Federal funding sources
Area of Impact
Project Updates
Update 6-22-2026 Jun 22, 2026
The City Council held a work session on June 22, 2026 to review a presentation on the preliminary plans for replacing the pump station.
September 10, 2024 Sep 10, 2024
The City conducted a feasibility study kickoff meeting with the consultants and representatives from the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services on September 10, 2024. At this point in the feasibility study, multiple future options are under consideration.
Project Documents
General
- Wastewater Pump Station Master Plan Jul 1, 2019
Meeting Material (Agendas, Minutes and Presentations)
Project Video
Mechanic Street Pump Station Upgrade
Project FAQ
What is the Pump Station Master Plan?
The Pump Station Master Plan is a comprehensive evaluation of the City’s wastewater pump stations, including equipment condition, capacity, and long-term needs.
Why was the Pump Station Master Plan developed?
The plan was developed to assess the condition and performance of pump stations, identify aging infrastructure, and recommend improvements to support long-term wastewater system reliability.
What did the plan find about the Mechanic Street Pump Station?
The plan found that equipment at the Mechanic Street Pump Station was approaching or had reached its useful life, prompting recommendations for upgrades and eventual replacement.
How many wastewater pump stations are in Portsmouth?
The City operates 20 wastewater pumping stations, which are part of the overall sewer collection system conveying flow to treatment facilities.
What role do pump stations play in the wastewater system?
Pump stations are used to lift wastewater from lower elevations to higher elevations so it can continue flowing through the sewer system to a treatment facility.