CIP - Sewer Fund

The Sewer Fund portion of the proposed fiscal years 2024-2029 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) totals $8,558,095 in FY2024. More information about the first-year requests can be found below. Refer to the CIP book a complete list of projects and descriptions proposed for fiscal years 2025 through 2029.

Transfer to Capital Reserve

Transfer of funds from the operating budget into a reserve account for payment of future projects and equipment to ensure adequate funding is available for facility and infrastructure upgrades without having significant increases in water rates.

Cost: $500,000

Inflow/Infiltration Mitigation

During periods of heavy rainfall and snowmelt, clean water enters the sewer distribution system. It occasionally causes surcharging of the system resulting in the bypass of untreated sewerage to the Bellamy and Cochecho Rivers. This stormwater is known as "inflow and infiltration" and must be reduced. It enters the systems through leaking maintenance holes, pipes, roof leaders, basement drains and catch basins discharging to the sewer system.

Cost: $300,000

Pump Station Equipment Replacement – Maintenance

The City of Dover has several sewer pumping stations that require upgrades and replacements. These stations must continue to be in top operating condition to prevent violations of the city's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit.

Cost: $84,365

Heavy Equipment Replacement

This fund is used to replace heavy-duty equipment within the water and sewer divisions. Like the Police Vehicle Replacement Program, some years have no equipment purchase, as the funds are allocated to larger purchases the following year. These vehicles are used to perform utility replacement at job sites.

Cost: $40,000

Light Vehicle Replacement

This funds the replacement of light vehicles, such as vans and pickup trucks, to transport staff and parts to job sites.

Cost: $15,000

Sewer Main Replacements

Annual management program for replacing and upgrading sewer pipes that have been scoped with closed circuit television (CCTV) and need replacement due to cracks, collapse and blockages.

Cost: $168,730

Waste Water Treatment Plant General Permit Compliance

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit that took effect in 2021. The NPDES permit is considered a General Permit for the reduction of total nitrogen reaching Great Bay. The permit is to include Adaptive Management, and its implementation will likely require extensive data collection, water quality monitoring, and studies to assess the recovery of the estuary.

City work will also be required to perform an Optimization Study of the Waste Water Treatment Plant and a Nutrient Control Plan for the entire City of Dover.

Cost: $400,000

Inflow & Infiltration Removal – Phase C

Proposed work for Phase C targets the replacement of old, deteriorated sewer pipes identified with significant sources of inflow and infiltration (I/I). The elimination of I/I helps optimize flow and treatment at the wastewater treatment plant. 

Cost: $1,950,000

Pump Station Upgrade – Mill Street

This project will design and upgrade the Mill Street Pump Station, which last had major work in 1980. It will also include replacement of the original force main that dates back to 1957. The pumps are outdated and becoming inefficient. The brick pump house needs to be replaced and a new facility needs to be constructed to house a standby generator. 

Cost: $500,000

Pump Station Upgrade – River Street

The project includes engineering design for upgrades to the variable frequency drives (VFD), odor control, grit separation and operations facilities, including restrooms and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The project also includes upgrades to the force main from River Street that was constructed in 1991. Inspection and repair will prevent disruption of waste water services.

Cost: $4,500,000

Sewer Main Replacement – Fifth and Grove Streets

This project will be completed in conjunction with the Fifth and Grove Streets reconstruction project. It consists of consist of replacing sewer services and repairing the sewer main, where required. The sections of pipe in the neighborhood consist of asbestos cement pipe (ACP)
and in adequate condition for repair. 

Cost: $100,000