The Greater Lawrence Sanitary District was established by Chapter 750 of the Massachusetts Acts of 1968 for the purpose of building, maintaining, and operating a system of sewage collection and disposal for the City of Lawrence, the towns of Methuen, Andover, and North Andover. The District facilities have been operational since April 1977. The Town of Salem, New Hampshire joined the Greater Lawrence Sanitary District through enabling legislation, Chapter 387 Acts of 1982 and written agreement.
A Commission consisting of seven members (three from the City of Lawrence, two from the City of Methuen, one each from the towns of Andover and North Andover), and an eighth non-voting member from Salem, New Hampshire oversee the District. The Executive Director who is appointed by the District Commission implements decisions made by the Commission. The District employs approximately 46 people, of whom approximately 34 are represented by employee unions.
The treatment facilities provide the District with the capability of processing up to 52 million gallons of wastewater per day. Major process components included in the treatment system are primary sedimentation, biological oxidation, secondary clarification and treated effluent chlorination.
