Litchfield, NH Tighe & Bond, Inc. was honored with a Silver Award for Engineering Excellence by ACEC-NH. The organization has recognized the most innovative projects and studies from engineering firms during their Engineering Excellence Awards (EEA) for 35 years. Tighe & Bond was awarded for their swift response to a public health issue in Litchfield.
Local water utility Pennichuck Water Works (PWW), needed a fast-tracked solution after PFAS-contaminated wells were found at more than 360 homes in the town of Litchfield. PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) were originally developed to fight petroleum fires and make waterproof materials but does not break down, so large amounts can accumulate in the environment and a person’s body potentially leading to health issues. The firm worked with multiple stakeholders, subconsultants, and contractors on the design and construction of a new water main that would cross the Merrimack River and connect Litchfield to the safe public water supply from Merrimack.
Tighe & Bond played a pivotal role during the preparation for this $3.2 million project, completing a bathymetric survey of the Merrimack River in the vicinity of the PWW’s existing riverbank intake and a geotechnical investigation that included drilling a total of 17 borings. Approximately 5,900 linear feet (LF) of cross-country pipe, including 650LF of subaqueous river crossing pipe was put in place to interconnect the Merrimack and Litchfield water distribution systems.
Tighe & Bond’s team collaborated with Blue Hill Hydraulics Inc., Substructure Inc., and Normandeau Associates whose services were retained to assist with coordination and permitting between the town of Litchfield, the town of Merrimack, Merrimack Waste Water Treatment Facility, New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES), U.S. Fish & Game, Pan Am Railroad, and private land owners. The team’s work was recognized as an example of innovation, and commitment to public health and safety. Due to this collaboration, this project has been successful in achieving major milestones and improving the water supply for the town of Litchfield and overall resiliency of the PWW distribution systems.