Most of the improvements are part of federally mandated projects.
AUBURN – Sewer District trustees approved $2.8 million for improvements to the sewer system Tuesday.

Most of the capital improvements scheduled for the 2004 construction season are part of the federally mandated sewer separation projects.

Superintendent Norm Lamie explained that more than $1.2 million in sewer separation projects are funded by the city. Bond issues from 2003 fund another $525,000 in projects. He said $994,150 to fund a large portion of this year’s projects would be financed by future bonding through the State Revolving Loan Fund.

In other business, the board approved the expenditure of $50,363 for the final payments for repairs by contractors following the sewage spill on Newberry Street in March. An estimated 25,000 gallons of raw sewage flowed into the Androscoggin River about 1,200 feet north of the South Bridge. It was from a broken sewer pipe when water from a broken water main rushing downhill washed away soil over and under a 36-inch sewer pipe, causing a 60-foot section to become exposed. The sewer line sagged and opened up at a pipe joint allowing a flow of about 50 gallons per minute to the river.

In another matter, the trustees approved an increase on jobbing rates from $21.50 to $27.50 per hour. Overtime rates will remain at the current level of $29.25. Jobbing rates are the hourly rates the district charges customers for connections.