Sewickley officials are moving forward with two sewer repair projects geared toward extending the life of the borough’s aging system and help prevent breaks.
The first is an estimated $152,600 project awarded to Insituform Technologies. It’s a subsidiary of Aegion Corp., headquartered in Chesterfield, Mo.
They were the lower of two bids for the work that includes lining about 2,100 linear feet of pipe, with at least 10 liners, ranging from eight to 18 inches in diameter.
Borough engineer Mike Galet said liners of the sanitary pipes have exhibited normal cracking and degrading over time.
The work is necessary to reinforce the pipes’ structural integrity and provide long-term repair to prevent further damage, according to Galet.
Borough sewer lines are estimated to be between 50 and 100 years old depending on location.
The second project involves excavation repairs to about six sites for pipes ranging from 8 to 10 inches in diameter, along with the installation of five manholes.
Galet said excavation is necessary at several locations that couldn’t be repaired via liners. The manholes are expected to improve maintenance accessibility.
Council authorized Osiris Enterprises to do the work for an estimated $185,000.
Both projects are expected to start in late fall or early winter. The goal is to hopefully have everything done by early spring.
Galet said neither company has done work in Sewickley in recent years.
“They have routinely completed this type of work for other municipalities within the area,” Galet said.
Council unanimously voted to award both projects on Oct. 8.
Both projects were budgeted for this year.
“While we are blessed to live in a community that previous generations invested in, much of the existing infrastructure is in need of repair and updating,” council president Cynthia Mullins said. “Council continues to focus on upgrading the stormwater and sewer systems as well as shoring up our vulnerable steep slopes. These types of improvements may not always be the prettiest projects, but they are pressing critical needs.
“It’s important to hand the next generation a community that is in better shape than we found it.”
The borough did not do any sewer repairs last year. It opted instead to inspect its system via cameras.
These projects were the result of the system check and part of a three-year program to assess Sewickley’s sanitary sewer system.