Sewickley officials are moving forward with two wastewater repair projects aimed at extending the life of the county's aging system and preventing breaks.
The first is an estimated $152,600 project awarded to Insituform Technologies. It is a subsidiary of Aegion Corp. headquartered in Chesterfield, Missouri.
They were the lower of two bids for the work, which includes lining about 2,100 feet of pipe with at least 10 liners ranging from 8 to 18 inches in diameter.
District Engineer Mike Galet said the plumbing pipe linings showed normal cracking and deterioration over time.
Galet said the work is necessary to strengthen the structural integrity of the pipes and allow for long-term repairs to prevent further damage.
The age of municipal wastewater pipes is estimated to be 50 to 100 years, depending on the location.
The second project includes excavation repairs at approximately six locations for 8- to 10-inch diameter pipes and the installation of five manholes.
Galet said excavation is needed in several locations that cannot be repaired with liners. The manholes are intended to improve accessibility for maintenance work.
The council authorized Osiris Enterprises to carry out the work for an estimated $185,000.
Both projects are expected to begin in late fall or early winter. The goal is to hopefully have everything done by spring.
Galet said neither company has done any work in Sewickley in recent years.
“They have done this type of work routinely for other communities in the area,” Galet said.
The council voted unanimously on October 8 to award both projects.
Both projects were budgeted for this year.
“While we are fortunate to live in a community that previous generations have invested in, much of the existing infrastructure needs repairs and upgrades,” said Council President Cynthia Mullins. “Council remains focused on upgrading stormwater and wastewater systems and shoring up our vulnerable steep slopes. Such improvements may not always be the prettiest projects, but they represent an urgent need.
“It is important to leave the next generation a community that is in better condition than we found it.”
The municipality did not carry out any sewer renovations last year. Instead, they decided to inspect their system using cameras.
These projects were the result of the system review and part of a three-year program to evaluate Sewickley's sewer system.
Michael DiVittorio is a TribLive reporter covering general news in Western Pennsylvania with a love of festivals and food. He can be reached at [email protected].
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