Water Pollution Control Facility, Sewer Collection System, and Septic Systems
Wastewater Collection System
Sewers in the City were first constructed near the turn of the century in the downtown area, along the Connecticut River. As development in the City progressed, the wastewater collection system expanded. Many sewers constructed before the late 1960s and/early 1970s were designed to convey stormwater runoff and sanitary sewage. At that time, designing and building “combined” sewer systems was an acceptable and common practice. Since the late 1960s, installing combined sewers has become an unacceptable waste collection practice. Instead, separate sanitary sewers and storm drainpipes are installed to accommodate wastewater flows and provide area drainage, respectively. As such, the newer sections of the City, to the west and southwest, are served by separate sanitary sewers and storm drains.
As of 2019, before the completion of the Jackson Street Sewer Separation Project, the City of Holyoke’s wastewater collection system consisted of approximately 137 miles of sewer mains, approximately 61% of which are combined. These sewers range from brick, concrete, and vitrified clay (VC) pipes in the older portions of the sewer system to reinforced concrete (RC), asbestos cement (AC), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes in the newer sections of the sewer system. Portions of the system are over 100 years old. The system includes several major interceptor sewers that receive flow from area collector sewers and convey that wastewater flow toward the City’s Water Pollution Control Facility.
Water Pollution Control Facility (WPCF)
The City of Holyoke has an agreement with Veolia North America (“Veolia”) to operate, maintain, repair, and improve its wastewater and flood control system. The City has held this agreement with several Contract Operators since 2006. Due to previous contract purchases and firm acquisitions, Veolia is the current contract operator. The Contract Operator is responsible for the WPCF, collection, stormwater, CSO, and flood control systems, and the industrial pretreatment program.
The Holyoke WPCF is a conventional activated sludge plant that utilizes high-purity oxygen. Initially designed for an average flow of 17.5 MGD, it currently averages approximately 8.0M MGD and is designed to handle a peak of 37 MGD.
Want to learn more about what is happening at Holyoke's Water Pollution Control Facility, sewer collection system and Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems, click here.
Long Term Control Plan
The City of Holyoke's Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Long-Term Control Plan (LTCP) provides a timetable and schedule for making improvements to the City’s combined sewer and reduce overflows to the Connecticut River. A copy of the Holyoke CSO LTCP can be requested through the Engineering Department. The Holyoke LTCP Executive Summary can be accessed at the following. (Link)
Septic Systems
Septic systems are individual wastewater treatment systems, usually for individual homes. They are typically used in rural or lot settings where central wastewater treatment is not efficient. Septic System maintenance is the Homeowner's sole responsibility.
Sewer Commissioners Policy (Link)
Notification Requirements to Promote Public Awareness of Sewage Pollution
Combined Sewer Overflow UPDATE - July 23, 2024
Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Law – Effective July 7, 2022
A Combined Sewer Overflow or CSO is defined as any discharge of untreated or partially treated wastewater to a surface water of the Commonwealth from an outfall that is connected to a combined sewer system.
CSO Final Notification Plan Holyoke MA
Click link below to view the CSO map which provides near real-time information (5-minute intervals) on CSO activation status, where they occur, how often and how long they occur.
CSO and Inflow and infiltration (I&I) Reports
MASSDEP SEWAGE NOTIFICATION PUBLIC PORTAL
To access the MassDEP’s public portal for reports on all Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs) and Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) in Massachusetts, please click here: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/sanitary-sewer-overflowbypassbackup-notification.
Sewer Bills Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Whom should I contact if I have a question on my sewer bill?
A: If you think your sewer bill may be incorrect, the first step you should take is to call the Department of Public Works office at 413-322-5645.
Q: I’m selling/buying a house in Holyoke, what should I do for my sewer bill?
A: The current owner’s attorney needs to call the Holyoke Water Works at 413-536-0442 a few days in advance of the closing to set up a “final water reading”. After the final reading is received, your attorney should call the Department of Public Works at 413-322-5645 with the proper water gallon usage. With this information, the DPW can process your final sewer bill to be paid at the closing. In addition, your attorney should have the buyer / new owner’s name available.
Sewers & Drains Frequently Asked Questions
Q: The catch basin or storm drain near my home is clogged (or caving in). What should I do?
A: Call Veolia at 413-534-2222 and let them know where the catch basin is located. It will be scheduled to be cleaned (or repaired) as quickly as possible.
Q: My sewer line is backing up into my house/cellar, who do I call?
A: Call Veolia at 413-534-2222. A crew will be dispatched as soon as possible.
Septic Systems Information
Septic Systems Press Release (Link)
Maintaining Your Septic System (Link)
Massachusetts Guide to Caring for your Septic System (Link)