Municipal Services
Comprehensive Solutions for Community Infrastructure
Infrastructure Challenges
Wastewater collection systems across the country are aging and steadily failing. As we prepare for the future, we must put massive consideration into the infrastructure below our feet. The nature of our out-of-sight sewers puts us at a disadvantage when attempting to sustain and improve the quality of the collection system. We simply cannot see issues as they happen and develop a solution on the spot. It takes advanced processes and the implementation of state-of-the-art technology to effectively and efficiently maintain and sustain our sewer system. Knowledge of the intricate system is also critical to understanding the necessary improvements for the future.
We have spent years studying the important variables that go into sustaining our wastewater collection systems. Our thorough understanding of how these systems work, the shortcomings of the system, the necessary work that needs to be done, and modern improvement and rehabilitation techniques offers municipalities and homeowners value in solving their issues.
Management of Sewer Systems
Public vs. Private Property
The wastewater collection system is half on public property and half on private property. This separation of ownership has historically left only half the system accessible for maintenance and upgrades through municipal departments and funding.
This is simply not enough to prevent the collection system from vulnerabilities of a changing world. Climate change, sea rise, and groundwater rise will ultimately impact our ability to use water in our homes and rely on it leaving the drains. We must educate and inform homeowners and property owners of their part of the collection system and their obligations to maintain and repair.
Community Engagement
We have aligned ourselves with various environmental groups as well as sustainability agencies to provide homeowners with relatable information regarding their responsibilities and duty in wastewater infrastructure sustainability to have a positive impact moving forward.
Our community engagement initiatives provide homeowners with the knowledge and resources they need to identify issues with their sewer lines and how they can fix them.
Helping Municipalities Tackle Infrastructure Challenges
PipeLogix provides municipalities with crucial insights and solutions for managing Gas Line Cross Bores, addressing Sea Rise impacts, and monitoring Groundwater levels.
Overview of Cross Bores
A gas line cross bore refers to an unintended intersection of an existing underground utility line (such as a sewer or water line) with a newly installed gas line. This typically occurs during horizontal directional drilling (HDD), a trenchless method used for installing underground utilities.
Causes of Cross Bores
Lack of Proper Utility Locating
Failure to accurately locate and mark existing underground utilities before drilling can lead to cross bores.
Inadequate Planning
Insufficient planning and surveying can result in drill paths that intersect with existing utilities.
Human Error
Mistakes during the drilling process can cause the drill to deviate from the intended path.
Old or Incomplete Records
Inaccurate or outdated maps of underground utilities can lead to unintentional intersections.
Risks and Consequences
Explosions and Fires
If a gas line intersects with a sewer line, it can go unnoticed until maintenance work or blockages occur. Drilling or cleaning operations in the sewer line can ignite the gas, leading to explosions and fires.
Utility Service Disruptions
Cross bores can damage existing utilities, leading to service interruptions and costly repairs.
Public Safety Hazards
The presence of gas in non-gas utility lines poses significant safety risks to workers and the public.
Environmental Impact
Gas leaks resulting from cross bores can cause environmental damage.
Effects on Sewer Systems
Sea level rise poses significant challenges to sewer infrastructure, particularly in coastal cities. As sea levels rise, several adverse effects on sewer systems have been observed:
Increased Flooding and Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs)
Saltwater Intrusion and Groundwater Rise
Higher sea levels can lead to saltwater intrusion into the sewer systems, corroding pipes and infrastructure. Additionally, rising groundwater levels increase the likelihood of inflow and infiltration (I&I), where groundwater enters sewer pipes through cracks and joints, reducing the capacity of treatment plants and leading to overflows.
Structural Damage and Increased Maintenance Costs
The corrosion of sewer pipes, particularly older cast-iron ones, accelerates with increased exposure to saltwater. Upgrading these systems can be prohibitively expensive, making it challenging for municipalities to keep up with the necessary repairs and replacements.
Wastewater Treatment Challenges
Treatment plants are designed to handle specific flow rates and pollutant loads. Increased I&I and higher sea levels can overwhelm these facilities, leading to inadequate treatment and the discharge of untreated or poorly treated wastewater into the environment. This not only poses a public health risk but also impacts coastal water quality.
Mitigation Measures
Proactive measures and innovative solutions such as the Pipelogix Program are essential to mitigate the impacts of sea level rise on sewer systems and protect public health and the environment.
Effects on Sewer Systems
Rising groundwater levels significantly impact sewer infrastructure in various ways:
Increased Inflow and Infiltration
Higher groundwater levels can lead to increased inflow and infiltration into sewer systems. Infiltration occurs when groundwater seeps into sewer pipes through cracks, joints, and other defects, while inflow refers to surface water entering the system through manholes, roof drains, and other openings. This additional water load can overwhelm sewer systems, leading to overflows and increased operational costs.
Corrosion and Structural Damage
The presence of groundwater, especially if it is contaminated with salt or other corrosive substances, can accelerate the deterioration of sewer pipes, particularly those made of older materials like cast iron. Corrosion weakens the pipes, making them more susceptible to leaks and breaks, which can further exacerbate I&I issues and lead to costly repairs and replacements.
Reduced Treatment Efficiency
Sewer systems and wastewater treatment plants are designed to handle specific volumes and pollutant loads. Increased groundwater infiltration can dilute the sewage, reducing the efficiency of biological treatment processes. Additionally, the added volume can exceed the capacity of treatment plants, leading to the discharge of untreated or partially treated wastewater into the environment, posing public health risks and harming aquatic ecosystems.
Flooding and Overflow Risks
Rising groundwater levels can lead to increased flooding, particularly during heavy rainfall events. This can cause sewer systems to overflow, resulting in the discharge of raw sewage into streets, basements, and natural water bodies. Such overflows not only create health hazards but also contribute to environmental pollution.
Increased Maintenance and Operational Costs
Managing the impacts of rising groundwater levels requires significant investment in maintenance and upgrades. This includes repairing and replacing damaged pipes, sealing cracks to prevent infiltration, and potentially redesigning sewer systems to handle increased water volumes. These measures can be costly and may strain the financial resources of municipalities.
Potential for Backups and Blockages
Higher groundwater levels can create pressure differentials that lead to backups in sewer lines, causing blockages and reducing the system’s overall efficiency. This can result in sewage backing up into homes and businesses, causing property damage and health risks.
Mitigation Measures
Addressing these issues requires proactive management, such as the implementation of the Pipelogix Program. This program focuses on comprehensive solutions to manage and mitigate the impacts of rising groundwater levels on sewer infrastructure.