Sewer Fix Moves Forward

(Click to enlarge) Before and after: The green line is the existing, failed wastewater run. The yellow line represents the route of the proposed permanent fix.

The City faces an expensive, if long-term fix to a messy wastewater problem. A major sewer line that runs under Butler Bridge Road and the adjacent rail line failed earlier this month. Although a workaround has been devised, Denlinger says a permanent fix is necessary.The line carries about 50% of the system’s load. Denlinger says the project may cost more than he originally estimated before the City Council August 18. He will present more detailed engineering conclusions at the next Council meeting September 1.

The broken line is known as the Butler Bridge Force-Main line, and was installed in 1954 next to the city’s Wastewater Treatment Facility. Public Works evaluated several forms of trenchless technology, and decided on what is called directional drilling. As part of the project, the line will be re-routed. Denlinger says the 14-inch pipe will be about 300 feet long. His department is coordinating with engineers, contractors and the railway owner “to move the project forward as quickly as possible.”

An external sign of trouble underground

Emergency funding for the project will come from the Wastewater Reserve Fund. “Because this is an emergency project, the cost to complete repairs is an estimate only,” Denlinger said. “Fortunately,” he continued, “the Department has the unique opportunity to use unit costs for drilling…in the neighboring community of Seal Rock” which has a similar project underway. Unofficial engineering estimates to complete installation and tie-in of the new line right now ranges from $65,000 to $75,000. However, Denlinger says the plan continues to develop as more information becomes available and the picture will be more clear by September 1. (Photos courtesy Toledo Public Works Department)

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