Two Norwich Public Utilities projects receive $800,000 from the EPA: What to know

NORWICH ― Two major infrastructure-related projects in Norwich received federal funding last month.

The Environmental Protection Agency is giving the city $800,000 to create The Poquetanuck Cove Crossing Water Interconnection and another $800,000 would re-line the sewer mains in the Greeneville section of Norwich, according to a news release on Feb. 28.

The construction is expected to start before Memorial Day and finish by the end of the year, according to a Norwich Public Utilities press release.

“These projects will improve public safety and water quality in our region, while modernizing and upgrading our infrastructure,” General Manager Chris LaRose said in the press release.

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What to know about the Poquetanuck Cove Crossing Water Interconnection

The Poquetanuck Cove Crossing Water Interconnection will connect the water lines of NPU and Groton Utilities. The connection will be made at a 1,220 ft gap on the Preston and Ledyard line.

This will help provide water between the two systems in emergency situations, and is a backup for the Thames River crossing, according to the press release.

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Why the Greenville sewer mains are being replaced

The Greenville sewer mains need repairs or replacement due to their age, installed between 1886 and 1950, and these pipes allow for overflows from combined sewer overflows locations, to get into the Shetucket River during heavy rains.

The use of liners helps prevent rain and groundwater from getting into the pipes, leading to more capacity for sewage. The re-lining will help prevent six million gallons of discharge annually, according to the press release.

This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: Norwich sewer replacement, new water lines: What's going on