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» Contact
Emergency: (207) 555-0147
Office: (207) 555-0148
Fax: (207) 555-0149
dpw@derry.me.us

» Hours
Mon-Fri 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Closed Weekends & Holidays
24/7 Emergency Line Available

The Derry Department of Public Works, Sewer & Utilities Division, is responsible for the operation, inspection, and maintenance of the Town of Derry's wastewater collection system, storm drainage infrastructure, and underground tunnel network. Our division manages approximately 47 miles of sanitary sewer mains, 38 miles of storm drain piping, and an extensive system of flood control tunnels beneath the Canal District.

Superintendent: Richard P. Macklin (appointed 1992)
Staff: 14 full-time, 6 seasonal (3 positions currently vacant — see Employment Opportunities)
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Emergency Line (24/7): (207) 555-0147

Employment Opportunities: Due to current working conditions, the DPW is offering a 15% hazard pay increase for sewer maintenance positions. Three positions are immediately available. Apply at Town Hall.

The Derry DPW issues the following public notices regarding recent inquiries and reports received by this office:

• The DPW has received 47 reports of "unusual sounds" from storm drains since June 1994. All have been investigated and attributed to the following causes: hydraulic resonance in the tunnel system; wind patterns through grate openings; water flow acoustics through aged piping. No further investigation is required.

• The DPW has received 12 reports of "unusual odors" described variously as "sweet," "like cotton candy," or "like a circus" emanating from Canal District storm grates. Air quality testing was conducted on October 3, 1994. Results: no abnormal substances detected.

• Three (3) DPW workers have filed workers' compensation claims citing "psychological distress" experienced during routine tunnel maintenance assignments. Claims are under review by the Town personnel office.

• Two (2) DPW employees resigned effective immediately following maintenance work in Section 13-B on September 15, 1994. Exit interviews were declined by both employees. Their personnel files have been forwarded to the Town Clerk's office.

• Residents are reminded that storm drain covers must not be removed under any circumstances by unauthorized personnel. Damaged covers should be reported to this office immediately at (207) 555-0147. Replacement covers are available for inspection at the DPW yard.

Section 13-B and its sub-level remain inaccessible pending review by the Town Council and consultation with state engineering authorities. No further information is available at this time.

Q: Why do the drains sometimes sound like voices?
A: Hydraulic resonance in the tunnel system can produce sounds that the human ear may interpret as speech or music. This is a well-documented acoustic phenomenon common in older urban drainage systems. The DPW has consulted with state engineers on this matter. There is no cause for alarm.

Q: Is it true that the tunnel system is older than the town?
A: The full extent of Derry's underground infrastructure has not been completely mapped. Some structural elements appear to predate colonial construction methods. A geological survey was initiated in early 1994 but has been suspended pending Town Council review. See Current Projects.

Q: What should I do if I see something come out of a storm drain?
A: Contact DPW immediately at (207) 555-0147. Do not approach. Do not attempt to interact. Do not photograph. Wait at a safe distance until DPW personnel arrive. Most reported incidents have been attributed to wildlife (raccoons, opossums, rats) or windblown debris.

Q: My child's toy fell into a storm grate. Can the DPW retrieve it?
A: DO NOT attempt to retrieve items yourself. Contact DPW for assistance. Note: items lost in storm drains are rarely recovered. The current recovery rate is approximately 3%. Children should be supervised at all times near storm drainage infrastructure.

Q: Why was the underground mapping project suspended?
A: The Town Council determined that the mapping project was "no longer a priority" in its September 1994 session. The DPW superintendent's objection has been noted in the meeting minutes. No further explanation has been provided to this office.

Q: Are the recent reports of drain noises connected to the missing children?
A: There is no documented connection between drain noises and missing persons cases. The Derry Police Department investigates all missing persons reports. The DPW investigates infrastructure-related complaints. The two are separate matters. Repeated questions on this topic will not receive further response.