SESD launches updated website to promote environmental awareness | News

SALEM — The South Essex Sewerage District (SESD) — which serves Salem and several other North Shore cities and towns — has launched an updated website focusing on environmental education in an effort to raise awareness about the role community members play in protecting equipment and maintaining service efficiency.

The project is focused on engaging the community about the infrastructure damage that can be caused by improper sewer use. Specifically, SESD is hoping to reduce the volume of wipes and other non-flushable trash currently being flushed down toilets and causing damage to its aging wastewater treatment facilities.

“Most residents aren’t aware that something like a baby wipe or disinfecting wipe can cause thousands of dollars in damage to our infrastructure and facility,” Superintendent of Maintenance Erik Nowak said.

Last year, SESD said, it incurred more than $75,000 in labor to unclog pumps as a result of trash being put down toilets and drains.

“In addition, that damage can disrupt service which can threaten the surrounding environment. In an effort to keep our waterways free from pollution and prevent expensive repairs, SESD has enhanced our website. By educating member communities about the important role they play in managing costs and keeping our waters and the environment clean, we hope to save money and extend the life of our equipment,” an announcement said.

The website features a new section that answers questions about how residents and businesses can support SESD in their mission to protect Salem Sound — things like not flushing wipes to prevent sewer backups or redirecting sump pumps to keep rainwater out of the sewers. Additionally, the website now has a news feed to provide the community with any updates on potential issues that may occur at the plant or pump stations.

SESD is a regional utility district established in 1925 to provide wastewater treatment and conveyance services to 190,000 people in the communities of Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, and Salem, as well as portions of Middleton and Wenham, and several state entities.

The SESD treatment plant on Salem Neck removes pollutants from the region’s wastewater before pumping the cleaned water into Salem Sound. Since the facility’s last major upgrade in 1998, much of the mechanical equipment and pipes that carry wastewater are in need of rehabilitation or replacement.

SESD is working with municipalities to ensure the facility continues to filter these pollutants by identifying the important upgrades needed and associated costs.

For additional information, visit the SESD website at sesd.com or contact Executive Director David Michelsen at 978-744-4550 or [email protected].