Final cost is $1.35 million less than expected
By Kyle Stucker
Hampton Union, Date
[The following article is courtesy of the Hampton Union and Seacoast Online.]
HAMPTON — It usually isn't a good thing when officials describe the construction of a large, multimillion-dollar project as atypical, although Public Works Director Keith Noyes said it's a designation Hampton should be proud to have on the new Church Street pump station.
The $3.5 million station has been fully operational and complete since March 18, and Noyes said the work required a mere "$12,000 in change orders."
That amount is almost unheard of for "projects of this magnitude," according to Noyes. He said large projects "normally" have a much higher change order figure, and this fact is one of the many reasons Noyes said the project has been "really great."
"This job has gone really well," said Noyes, adding that only some site work and routine items still need to be completed. "It's a big credit (to the project's managers and construction crews)."
The station is responsible for pumping all of the Hampton Beach sewage to the wastewater treatment plant.
The old station had a variety of issues with corrosion and deterioration. Local leaders secured 2012 Town Meeting approval to construct a new facility because they worried that not replacing the outdated infrastructure could lead to a system failure that could cause untold gallons of sewage to pour into Hampton Beach's marshes during the middle of the summer season.
The project was originally slated to cost $4.85 million, although reduced construction costs and other savings allowed the town to borrow roughly $1.35 million less than the amount approved by voters, according to Noyes.
Noyes said the difference between the new and old stations is "dramatic."
"It's just so much different and everything is done according to modern codes and safety aspects," said Noyes. "It's more efficient from an energy standpoint. My guys are just thrilled to have that.
"The old station required constant care because of its age and condition."
The old station, which is adjacent to the new one, will be demolished at some point in the next couple of weeks.
Town Manager Fred Welch signed the demolition permit Monday. He said the demolition would occur after all of the utilities are disconnected.