On November 8th, the Water Resource Protection (WRP) Department held an open house at the City’s wastewater treatment plant on Waterman Drive. The event provided the public with an opportunity to learn about the essential and diverse work we do to safeguard South Portland’s vital water resources. Engineering Project Manager Lacey Kremer, Stormwater Program Coordinator Aubrey Strause and Director Fred Dillon gave a presentation on various aspects of the wastewater treatment system with an emphasis on the upcoming upgrade to the Pearl Street pump station. This station conveys sewage from the entire western side of the city and is at the end of its useful life after nearly 50 years of service. The upgrade will require a significant investment of nearly $35M that will result in substantial increases to sewer rates. For more information, please visit WRP’s website.
The presentations were followed by tours of our wastewater treatment facility, which were led by Treatment Systems Manager Tom Wiley and Wastewater Operators Dave Durant, Kyle Sanborn and Lewis Therrien. The tours highlighted how the facility removes most of the pollutants from residential, commercial and industrial wastewater through various physical, chemical and biological processes. All of these processes are operated and maintained by our highly trained and credentialed staff in strict compliance with water quality and occupational safety requirements. To schedule a tour of the City’s wastewater treatment facility, please contact us at 767-7675.
Wastewater Operator Lewis Therrien (2nd from left) gives a very informative tour of the City’s wastewater treatment facility to attendees of the Water Resource Protection Department’s Open House on 11/8/25