NEW GLOUCESTER — Signed contracts between the New Gloucester Water District and two construction firms Tuesday launched the construction of a $2.4 million public water system for Upper Gloucester.
Following a lengthy pre-construction conference in the afternoon with the New Gloucester Water District, the contracts were signed, including agreements with Gendron and Gendron of Lewiston and Apex Construction of Rochester, N.H.
Gendron and Gendron will install the water mains and service connections to 48 households and business establishments at a cost of $798,000 beginning July 22.
On Aug. 8, the installation of the pump station will begin at the New Gloucester Fairgrounds property by Apex Construction at a cost of $1 million.
The plan provides safe drinking water to 48 households and business establishments in the Upper Gloucester area. A bulk water purchase with Wayfarer Village also is planned.
Twenty-one had private wells that contain benzene and salt contamination or are at risk.
A 300-foot wellhead protection zone at the site will surround the area. A 20- by 56-foot concrete tank will provide 90,000 gallons of water storage so high-flow pumps can be set up for fire protection.
A 24- by 28-foot wood-frame structure with an asphalt roof and concrete tank for water storage will be built. Three pumps will be installed. An aeration unit will be installed to eliminate radon. Small doses of chlorine are required for this high-quality groundwater source.
Gendron and Gendron will construct the distribution piping and service to each property. An 8-inch water main will be installed at the pump site, going from the Bald Hill Road water source to the Lewiston Road, then toward Mario’s Restaurant and a section of the Peacock Hill Road and Upper Village Street.
Fire hydrants will be set up at various locations.
It is expected that the bulk of the pump station will be completed this year and water mains will be lain along the water distribution route.
The service connections are expected to be completed next spring.
In July 2013, approvals from the Maine Public Utilities Commission and the Safe Drinking Water Program should be granted.
The water system will cost $2.38 million, with $1.37 million from the Community Development Block Grant program, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. Taxpayers will pay the remaining $1.01 million.
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