LYNN — The Water & Sewer Commission has approved a feasibility study to examine rehabilitation options or possible replacement of the Raymond F. Reardon Memorial Water Treatment Plant.
The 40-year-old treatment plant is composed of the original pumps, piping, and valves. Last year, environmental engineering company APEX examined the conditions of its processing equipment and electrical systems.
“The pumps are old. The valves have issues. The electrical systems are medium voltage, so it’s not standard power,” said Eric Kelley, principal at APEX.
However, Kelley noted that the plant was not designed to allow for engineers to simply rehabilitate portions of the system. This means that any major upgrades would likely require the City to switch to an alternative water supply while repairs are being conducted. Kelley estimated that this could cost $1.5 million per month.
“The complications of doing a plant upgrade are pretty extensive,” Kelley said.
When it comes to immediate repairs, Kelley said a top priority is to repair the filter control valves that are not currently sealing properly.
The feasibility study, which will start in 2026, will examine potential space to build a new facility, operational impacts, and cost estimates for rehabilitation or replacement options.
Kelley said that an architect and an estimator will also look at the plant’s HVAC, roofing, windows, and doors. The results will be used to devise a long-term outlook regarding the future of the water treatment plant within the next five to 10 years.
“There has to be a good plan in place of how you’re going to manage the plant,” Kelley said.
He added, “We’ll be kicking this off in the new year. We’re just trying to get our subcontractors set up now (before) the end of the year so we can hit the ground running in January.”
