AUBURN – The sewer district may reduce the amount spent on sewer separation projects this year in favor of upgrading pumping stations.

Superintendent Norm Lamie told the trustees Tuesday that in the wake of the recent maintenance problems at the Little Androscoggin pumping station, upgrades to the station and one other may be necessary this year.

The district has spent an average of $600,000 annually for five years on combined sewer overflow projects to comply with federal Environmental Protection Agency standards. Those projects are scheduled to continue through 2014. Lamie said he will propose to the trustees next month that they appropriate $300,000 for CSO projects this year and $700,000 for upgrades at the “Little Andy” and Lewiston Junction Road pumping stations.

Lamie acknowledged that his proposal is a departure from the district’s plans one year ago because of the urgency of the pumping station upgrades.

“We’re actually ahead of schedule on the sewer separations, so it would not have an effect,” Lamie said.