As reported in the Salem News:

The organization that operates the sewerage system for five North Shore communities is planning to spend $4 million to $5 million on a new power plant.

The plant, called a combined heat and power plant, is designed to save money through improved energy efficiency, said Alan Taubert, executive director of the South Essex Sewerage District.

“In the long haul, this thing’s going to pay for itself very quickly,” Taubert said.

The South Essex Sewerage District treats about 30 million gallons of wastewater per day at its treatment plant on Fort Avenue in Salem. The five member communities pay an annual assessment for the service depending on usage, ranging from $2 million by Marblehead to $9 million by Peabody.

Those communities will also pay for the new power plant based on the same proportions. Beverly’s engineering director, Mike Collins, told the City Council that Beverly’s share will be more than $1 million. Read more.