Sewer Rehabilitation

Critical repairs underway in Idylwood, Va., to avert Shreve Road sewer pipe collapse

(UI) — Prior to the discovery of the hole in the sewage line, plans were already in place for a trenchless cured-in-place pipe rehabilitation of the sewer line, a non-invasive method of repairing pipe lining without the need for excavation.

Florence, S.C., to fund $537 million sewer, water upgrade with bonds and 5% rate hike

(UI) — Michael Hemingway, the city's utility director, warned the Florence City Council members that Florence must start making plans for a thorough overhaul of the water and sewer system in all locations and facets. The project would need to be funded through the issuing of bonds totaling around $446 million over the next four years, as well as the imposition of higher fees.

Sewer main failure causes water contamination in Georgia’s One-Mile Branch Creek

(UI) — The Utilities Department was able to detect a failure in an eight-inch sanitary sewage main after a thorough investigation and video inspections.

Westmoreland County, Pa., secures $8.8 million in funding for water, sewer projects

(UI) — These projects include the water line extension in East Huntingdon, stormwater sewer improvements in Jeannette, stormwater sewer installation in Unity, sewer enhancements in New Kensington, and water line upgrades in South Huntingdon.

Missouri's Dogtown sinkhole traced to collapsed sewer pipe, not water main break

(UI) — The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District has determined that the large sinkhole in Dogtown was not caused by a water main break, as previously believed, but rather by a collapsed sewer pipe.

Ohio governor allocates $114 million to tackle critical water infrastructure needs

(UI) — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik have announced that the state will award $114 million in grant awards to support 70 critical water infrastructure projects in 58 counties.

Rockaway Corridor's $16.6 million project upgrades sewer system, alleviates flooding

(UI) — Under the project, which began construction in March 2021, approximately 1,100 feet of existing storm sewers and 22 catch basins were repaired or replaced and an additional 140 feet of new storm sewers plus three new catch basins were added.

Bluffton, S.C., secures funding for installation of new sewer system in Stoney Creek

(UI) —More than half of the expenditures required for this project were covered by the $5.9 million award from the South Carolina Infrastructure Investment Program. The award is intended to make establishing a new sewage system in the Stoney Creek Watershed in Bluffton easier.

Separation of stormwater boosts Glens Falls sewer system's performance

(UI) — Over the past few years, in the city of Glens Falls, New York, a $17 million project has been undertaken to separate a portion of its water from the main flow. Specifically, the project focuses on isolating stormwater from the Glens Falls sewer line.

Springfield's aging sewer system in Doling Park-Pea Ridge Creek set for major replacement work

(UI) — In order to accommodate anticipated expansion and development in the region, the major objectives of the work are to decrease the frequency of sewer overflows that result in pollution and enhance the size and capacity of underground sewer pipes to the 1,200 miles of pipe and over 28,000 manholes across the city.

California water officials to replace 500 feet of sewer pipe in San Juan Capistrano

(UI) — From June 5 to 18, the Santa Margarita Water District will repair 500 feet of sewer pipes on Los Rios Street as part of San Juan Capistrano's sewer upgrade plans.

Placer County Supervisors approve $28 million sewer line project in west Placer

(UI) — The Placer County Board of Supervisors in California has approved a funding agreement for a $28 million backbone sewer line connection to the Placer One development project, including the Sacramento State Placer Center.

Corps of Engineers, Cahokia Heights, partner on sewer improvement project

(UI) — The $4.67 million project will involve trenchless sewer rehabilitation of the largest, deepest, and most downstream sections of the main sanitary sewer trunkline conveying flow through Cahokia Heights, Illinois.

Jackson, Miss., implements water and sewer rate hike to fund replacement of 10,000 lead service lines

The Jackson City Council agreed during its meeting on May 23 to hike water and sewer rates by 8% and 6%, respectively, starting on July 1.

Federal pilot program seeks professionals for major sewer system overhaul project in West Virginia’s McDowell County

(UI) — With assistance from a federal Environmental Protection Agency pilot program, hundreds of residents of McDowell County who rely on an outdated sewer system that dumps trash into a stream might receive contemporary services, the Register-Herald reported.

United Utilities sewer upgrade improves water quality in England’s River Calder, Pendle Water

(UI) — A project to create a vast new underground stormwater storage tank in Nelson has reached a major milestone as engineers have now installed the lid.

Supreme Court limits federal power over wetlands, boosts property rights over clean water

The Supreme Court on Thursday made it harder for the federal government to police water pollution in a decision that strips protections from wetlands that are isolated from larger bodies of water.

Broad Channel infrastructure project receives “Envision Verified Award”

(UI) — The Broad Channel infrastructure project is raising streets and implementing new storm sewers to reduce flooding in an area that Jamaica Bay frequently inundates during high tides and storms.

Governor Hochul approves $51 million for clean water, drinking infrastructure projects in New York

(UI) — Governor Kathy Hochul has approved $51 million in financing to advance important water and sewer infrastructure projects. The funds will help with system modernization, the removal of new pollutants from drinking water, and the replacement of lead service connections.

Michigan lawmakers introduce bills to create septic codes throughout the state

While 30% of Michigan residents use septic systems, only a small fraction of counties have septic codes. Specifically, 11 out of 83 counties lack standards for septic system management, according to the Michigan Environmental Council. EGLE also reported that 330,000 systems are leaking waste into groundwater due to various failures.

Texas House approves bill to set aside billions to upgrade state’s aging water system

A bill that was approved by the Texas House on Wednesday by a vote of 136-8 would establish a new fund to kickstart significant water supply projects and repair deteriorating water infrastructure around the state, The Texas Tribune reported.

Wisconsin environmental regulators settle wastewater lawsuit with large dairy farm

One of Wisconsin’s largest dairy operations has settled with state environmental regulators, which calls for the company to eventually stop spreading liquid manure in exchange for avoiding groundwater monitoring requirements.

Rehab technology: 10 expert tips to ensure safe sewer cleaning

(UI) — Municipalities must safely clean and maintain many miles of sewer line annually to eliminate blockages and prevent sanitary sewer overflows, which are regulated by the EPA. However, the use of high-pressure equipment in underground sewers can be dangerous, unless operators are well-trained and fully understand the hazards.

City of Newburgh completes first underground tunnel, part of $32 million sewer improvement project

This phase of the project is being completed by a specially designed tunnel boring machine (TBM) capable of “micro tunneling” – an innovative, remote-operated trenchless construction method that allows for simultaneous excavation and pipe laying with minimal disruption to residents.

Spain to invest $2.4 billion in drought measures, including wastewater infrastructure and desalination plants

Ribera said $1.5 billion would go toward building the infrastructure to double the use of treated wastewater in urban areas and constructing new desalination plants to increase the national supply of drinking water.

DOJ probe finds Alabama ignored sewer issues in impoverished communities

The U.S. Department of Justice on Thursday said an environmental justice probe found Alabama engaged in a pattern of inaction and neglect regarding the risks of raw sewage for residents in an impoverished Alabama county and announced a settlement agreement with the state.

Tech Tips: Manhole inspection technologies

(UI) — If you attend a wastewater conference or read any sewer industry magazine, you will undoubtedly see multiple technologies for inspecting sewer manholes or underground structures. Each one has its main salespoints or technologies, but what are they providing you? How can you utilize these technologies to streamline and improve your inspection program?

Limiting SSOs with superior sewer maintenance tools, techniques

(UI) — Most municipalities are fully aware that preventing sewer overflows is a national enforcement priority for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), yet many struggle to stay compliant. Too often, when municipalities are short-staffed and must maintain miles of sewer line, they end up simply responding to emergencies.

Tennessee announces $232 million in additional funding for water infrastructure

(UI) — The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) has announced 102 grants totaling $232,709,981 of which TDEC is administering in the form of drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure grants.

Big changes ahead for Midland's sewage system: 8,000 feet of pipe set for renovation

(UI) — Earlier this month, W. Sugnet Road was closed to through-traffic from W. Main Street to Valley Drive in Midland, Texas, as construction kicked off on a multiyear sewer pipe upsizing project through the Concept 5 Sewer Improvement Plan.