Award

2021 ABC NH/VT Excellence in Construction Award, Peirce Island WWTF

Methuen Construction received the 2021 Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) NH/VT's Excellence in Construction award for the upgrade to the 6.1 mgd Peirce Island Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF) project in Portsmouth, NH. As the largest public works project taken on by the City of Portsmouth to date, space on the island was minimal, so construction of the WWTF had to occur in the footprint of the existing buildings and tanks. In collaboration with the City of Portsmouth and architect/engineer, AECOM, the project teams delivered a successful project on a court ordered schedule, using extensive measures to logistically plan and coordinate installation of temporary systems, relocate plant operations, and utilize new infrastructure on an interim basis to make areas available for demolition.

The upgrade to the facility has already made a significant environmental impact for the City of Portsmouth. The new facility has reduced the amount of nitrogen being released into the river by 85 percent, saving the nearby Great Bay from decreased eel grass caused by nitrogen-induced algae blooms.