Wastewater Treatment Plant

Located at:
33 Kilton Lane
Machias, Maine 04654

Mailing address:
P.O. Box 418
Machias,  ME 04654

Phone: 207-255-3295
Email: wastewater@machiasme.org

Current Sewer Rates – Effective July 1, 2017 https://machiasme.org/wp-content/uploads/NewSewerRates17-10202017131844.pdf

Operated by Olver Associates Inc., Environmental Engineers
Annaleis  Hafford oversees the site and there are 3 employees onsite.

  • Dakota Norton, Superintendent
  • Vacant – Mechanic/Assistant Operator
  • Dan Warren, Assistant Operator

DEP Reminds Mainers of what not to flush – click here


MACHIAS WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY

2022 ANNUAL REPORT

The Town of Machias’ Wastewater Treatment Facility consists of eight miles of sewer collection system piping, one inverted siphon station, two pumping stations and a treatment facility with the capacity to treat an average of 900,000 gallons of wastewater per day. As we reflect on the past year, we want to personally thank the residents of the Town for all they have done, not only by supporting wastewater personnel in their jobs, but also by giving us the tools we need to do our job effectively. Through your actions, you have proven your commitment and respect for the environment. We would invite anyone interested in touring the facility to please call us at the Machias Treatment Facility, and we would gladly show you around, as well as explain how the process works.

2022
WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY REVIEW

Process treatment summary:
83,870,000 gallons of wastewater was treated at the facility.

Effluent Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) averaged 8.5 mg/1 with a removal rate of 95%.

Effluent Total Suspended Solids (TSS) levels averaged 5.8 mg/1with a removal rate of 97%.

The licensed TSS and BOD monthly average limitations are 30 mg/1 with a minimum removal rate of 85%.

Collection system progress:

With the help of the Machias Fire Department and J.R. Anderson, we flushed and cleaned
1,200’ of sewer on Broadway.

We inspected cross-country lines from West Street to Water Street and Cooper Street to the treatment facility. The siphon station was cleaned twice and the three lines that run under the Machias River were flushed twice.

Wastewater Treatment Facility:

The wastewater staff spent a lot of time in 2022 completing housekeeping and maintenance to improve the overall appearance of the plant. This work included the following key items:
• All three clarifiers were drained and cleaned and pressure washed.
• The contact chamber was drained, cleaned and pressure washed.
• Replaced one yard hydrant.
• Replaced composite sampler refrigeration unit.
• Replaced shear pins in clarifiers.
• Replaced bisulfite chemical line.
• Fixed leaking aeration line in wasting tank.
• Fabricated and installed splash guard on grit machine.
• Flushed and pumped out Broadway and East Side pumping stations.

The Town of Machias Wastewater Staff is requesting your assistance to prevent blockages in sewage infrastructure, pipes and pump stations, resulting from improper disposal of consumer products. Examples of the consumer materials that can cause sewer blockages when disposed of in sewers include the following: – Baby/disinfecting wipes – Disposable toilet cleaning pads – Moist towelettes – Makeup removal pads – Disposable mop heads – Dental Floss – Surface cleaning wipes – Candy wrappers – Towels. While many of these products are marketed as “flushable”, several studies, and the experience of utilities across the country, have shown that they do not break down after disposal like common toilet tissue. The synthetic fibers that make the wipes and other products strong and effective can cause them to form clumps that easily entangle in pumps without ripping. Sewage can back up behind these clogs, sometimes causing wastewater to discharge into homeowner basements. These products should be disposed of in the trash. The wastewater treatment industry is working with the manufacturers of these products to provide more accurate labeling, to define the term “flushable”, and to ensure that products are disposed of in a responsible way. Additional consumer items that may be labeled as “disposable” – such as diapers, feminine hygiene products, bladder control undergarments, plastic bags, and fabric cloths – should never be flushed. None of the products listed above should be disposed of in sewer or storm drain systems. Your cooperation in disposing of these wastes properly will protect not only your local surface waters but also the bottom line by reducing the need for cost increases to fund expanding maintenance requirements.

In closing, we would like to thank the Board of Selectmen, Town Manager and the Highway crew for helping to keep the wastewater infrastructure in top condition. Again, we would also like to thank the taxpayers for their support, because without your help, it would be extremely difficult to keep our Town and the environment the way we all expect it to be.

Respectfully Submitted,
Charles Croan, Superintendent