Centennial Plan

Infrastructure Investments

For generations, SESD has safeguarded public health and protected the waters of Salem Sound through reliable, cost-effective wastewater treatment. Today, SESD faces rising operating costs and urgent challenges: critical infrastructure and equipment are aging and must be replaced.

Like roads and bridges, wastewater infrastructure requires ongoing maintenance and replacement. Many major components installed during the 1990s are approaching the end of their service life or are now obsolete. Unlike transportation infrastructure, when a wastewater plant fails, there is no detour. SESD cannot offer a temporary replacement service or shut down operations without risking public health and environmental harm.

Despite a long history of fiscal responsibility and operational efficiency, addressing SESD’s urgent needs will exceed budget constraints. Special legislation is required so that SESD can make strategic investments to avoid costly emergency repairs, maintain dependable wastewater treatment services, and support local tourism, recreation, and the region’s waterfront economy.

SESD’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), known as the Centennial Plan, is SESD’s long-term strategy for maintaining, replacing, and modernizing critical wastewater infrastructure. Because of the urgent challenges facing SESD, we seek community support for special legislation to accelerate implementation of this plan. Priorities include:

• Rehabilitating decades-old sewage pipes under Beverly Harbor
• Replacing aging pumps and mechanical equipment and improving plant performance
• Addressing tank, roof, and building system issues
• Updating electrical and control systems

Show your support for reliable wastewater treatment

• Continue exploring what we do on our website and sign up for a public tour
• Stay in touch with us on Facebook and Instagram
• Talk to your family, friends, and neighbors about the work SESD does to protect where we live, work and play
• Encourage kids in your life to join Pippen and the Pipe Patrol to protect our waters
• Contact your local leaders to share your support for investing in SESD’s future

Let’s invest today in infrastructure that will protect our health, environment and communities well into the future.