Work Begins on Pipeline Replacement Under Harbor

Work has begun to replace two wastewater pipelines that carry Marblehead’s sanitary wastewater under the harbor to a treatment facility in Salem.

The work comes nearly two years after a breach was discovered in one of the two lines, according to a post on the Town of Marblehead website. The breached line was taken out of service and a second pipeline running next to the breached line was also examined. Both pipelines were found to be in a critical state of deterioration and requiring replacement.

The pipes carry approximately 14 million gallons per day to the South Essex Sewerage District’s (SESD) treatment facility, according to project scope and description documents.

The $12 million project is expected to be completed by June 2015.

Photo: Town of Marblehead project scope and description documents