MVPC Awards $35,000 to Support Newburyport Wastewater Clarifier Upgrades
September 13, 2025September 11, 2025
For Immediate Release
MVPC Awards $35,000 to Support Newburyport Wastewater Clarifier Upgrades
NEWBURYPORT- The Merrimack Valley Planning Commission (MVPC) has awarded the City of Newburyport a $35,000 grant to support the design phase of a project to replace and upgrade clarifiers at the city’s Wastewater Treatment Facility. These upgrades aim to reduce pollution in the Merrimack River.
Newburyport’s Wastewater Treatment Facility currently operates two clarifiers, which are essential for removing suspended solids and pollutants from wastewater before it is discharged into the river. The facility treats approximately 3.4 million gallons of wastewater per day and adheres to strict environmental standards, including those set by the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES).
The planned project includes installing a new clarifier and retrofitting the existing two. These improvements will help ensure continued regulatory compliance while protecting the health of the Merrimack River ecosystem.
“This grant will allow us to continue designing this important project,” said Chris Pratt, Superintendent of the Wastewater Treatment Facility. “I appreciate MVPC’s support. Our team works hard every day to make sure wastewater is treated effectively and that the discharged water does not harm the river’s ecological health or fisheries.”
Mayor Sean Reardon added, “I want to thank MVPC for this grant and for their ongoing support of Newburyport and neighboring communities in protecting the Merrimack River. Chris Pratt and the team at the Wastewater Treatment Facility do excellent work to maintain and improve our sewer system. They are proactively planning for the future by ensuring we keep our river safe, while also improving infrastructure. ”
The project’s total design cost is estimated at $590,000. APEX is currently conducting the preliminary design work and is expected to complete 50% of the design using the additional funding provided by this grant.
