Holyoke provides update on eliminating wastewater overflow

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) – Holyoke continues to work on wastewater overflow in the Connecticut River.

Holyoke has been experiencing wastewater overflow problems after heavy rainfall. It happens when heavy rain overflows the same water treatment systems that the wastewater goes into, meaning that both types of water overflow into the river. The rain can overwhelm the capacity of pipes and treatment plans.

Currently, the Holyoke wastewater system prevents around 70 percent of solid waste from bypassing the treatment plant during heavy rains, but they have plans to improve the system. These improvements are needed for the City of Holyoke to meet national requirements and put the city in full compliance with the Clean Water Act.

The Holyoke Board of Public Works says that it is likely that other surrounding cities are also experiencing sewer overflows. They said they are one of five communities with the combined sewage overflow issue, which includes Chicopee, Springfield, Montague, and Hartford, and all five have been working on the problem.

One of the biggest challenges is the cost of the work coupled with the fact that increasing water and sewer rates to pay for the work needed creates issues of affordability for Holyoke taxpayers. Since this is a reoccurring problem and the cost of fixing it will be immense, Holyoke was recently awarded $10 million with zero-interest loans and some forgiveness from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. They also received $2 million from the River Terrace Sewer Separation Project. Both of these funds will help increase the reduction level to 85 percent.

Bidding for the project will start this fall. Holyoke is also a part of a long-term improvement plan with the government through 2035.

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