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EPA Orders Town of Epping to Build New $5 Million Treatment Plant

Release Date: 09/14/2000
Contact Information: Amy Miller, EPA Press Office (617-918-1042)

BOSTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today ordered the town of Epping, NH, to build a $5 million wastewater treatment plant that will bring the system into compliance with federal wastewater discharge standards set out in a federal permit issued in February.

"The Lamprey River is a valuable resource in the community," said Mindy S. Lubber, Regional Administrator for EPA New England. "EPA's order for a new treatment plant will help ensure that the river is protected into the future for boaters, anglers and swimmers."

The town of Epping's wastewater treatment facility discharges 202,000 gallons a day of treated water into the Lamprey River, which is also a back-up water supply for the town of Durham The Lamprey, which eventually flows into the Piscassic River, was designated a Wild and Scenic River in 1996 under the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.

EPA recently awarded a $3.9 million grant to the town of Epping to help pay for the new wastewater treatment plant and the state has agreed to fund 20 percent, or about $1 million, of the cost. Epping was one of nearly 200 projects designated for funding by EPA nationally.

The existing plant exceeds the allowable limits for ammonia nitrogen, chlorine, suspended solids, phosphorus and a number of other substances. A schedule included in the order requires the town to complete the design for a new plant by Oct. 1 and to attain full operation of the plant by Sept. 1, 2002.

Town officials have worked closely with EPA and the NH Department Environmental Services to ensure a timely completion to this project.