Board approves $136,300 amendment for groundwater monitoring and source‑water protection work at Hooksett plant

The Manchester Water Works board voted May 22 to approve a $136,300 amendment to its ongoing contract with Wright‑Pierce for groundwater monitoring, compliance reporting and source water protection plan work tied to the Hooksett (radio collector) well and nearby monitoring wells.

Jeremy explained Wright‑Pierce has supported the utility through the well development and the large groundwater withdrawal permit process and will perform annual monitoring, reporting and other technical tasks required by the source water protection plan and the large groundwater withdrawal permit. Staff noted that additional tasks could be requested by the state Department of Environmental Services (DES) if recent sampling indicates further action related to observed VOCs or PFAS; that possibility is not yet confirmed.

A motion to approve the amendment for $136,300 was made, seconded and approved by roll call. The board was told the amendment funds annual compliance activities and monitoring that staff does not have capacity to manage in‑house and that similar annual amendments are likely to recur while the large withdrawal permit remains in force.