Portsmouth moves forward with construction of new water treatment system at Pease Tradeport

The City of Portsmouth and the United States Air Force are pleased to announce the execution of a contract with Kinsmen Corporation of Hookset, New Hampshire to construct a new water treatment system on the three wells (Smith, Harrison and Haven) that serve the Pease Tradeport.

This project is the culmination of nearly five years of response since detection of elevated levels of the unregulated contaminants perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and the subsequent shutdown of the Haven Well in 2014. The City of Portsmouth's Water Division has been actively working with the Air Force, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) to understand and respond to this emerging contaminant, and identify the best water treatment solution moving forward.

A recent agreement with the City and the Air Force will reimburse the City with up to $14.3 million for the cost of the construction and engineering administration of this project, which will include a dual filtration system consisting of resin and granular activated carbon filters. The project was bid late last year and five contractors submitted bids; Kinsmen was the low qualified bidder and it is anticipated for construction to begin early this spring.

Brian Goetz, Portsmouth’s Deputy Director of Public Works, stated: “Working with the Air Force, consultants and various regulators, there has been extensive research, pilot treatment studies and demonstration filters at the Pease site over the past several years that have led to this milestone. Our department is very happy to soon see tangible results for this next chapter in water treatment serving the Tradeport.”

Dr. Stephen TerMaath, Air Force BRAC Division Chief, stated: “This contract award represents another step forward in the Air Force’s commitment to protect drinking water supplies.”

Questions can be directed to Brian Goetz, Deputy Director of Public Works at 603-766-1420.