Three Major Projects Completed, I&I Averted

It has been a busy few years at MetroConnects! In the past 24 months, Metro teams have completed three major projects that are part of Renewable Water Resources‘ (ReWa) Wet Weather mitigation program. In total, the three projects involved:

• Cleaning, CCTV monitoring, and evaluating 10,7215.8 linear feet of wastewater pipes;
• Rehabilitating 60,159.9 linear feet of older, damaged and deteriorating pipes using trenchless Cured-in-Place-Pipe (CIPP) technology, which allows for repair without jackhammering in the streets;
• Performing 129 mainline repairs; and
• Rehabilitating or replacing 83 manholes, often using Mr. Manhole technology, which allows for quick, less disruptive repairs.

The goal of the projects is to cut down on excess Inflow and Infiltration (I&I) of storm and groundwater into our sewer systems. Stormwater does not need to be treated at a wastewater facility. In fact, treating this excess water, which enters the wastewater systems through cracks, holes and leaks in older pipes and manhole covers, can unnecessarily drive up the cost of wastewater treatment.

Not only that, but the intrusion of extra water into a wastewater pipe can cause Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs) at the manholes, an ugly situation that is a health hazard for local residents and can cause contamination in nearby water sources. No one wants to end up with a wastewater stream as part of their “waterfront” property! This is especially important during hurricane season when wet weather events are likely. (See “Are You Sewer Safe This Hurricane Season?” to learn more about the damage SSOs can cause.)

Hidden Hills Drive and Jacobs Road Areas

The first of the three projects that have been completed is in the areas near Hidden Hills Drive and Jacobs Road. Construction took place from April 2021 to June 2022. More than 18,000 linear feet of pipe and 118 laterals were cleaned, CCTV’d, and evaluated, and more than 20,000 linear feet of CIPP pipe was installed. There were 36 mainline repairs and 9 manholes rehabilitated. The project aimed for a 19 percent I&I reduction. We are happy to report that the actual I&I reduction achieved is 52 percent!

Belle Meade Grant-Funded Improvements

In June of last year, MetroConnects finished up its wastewater improvement project in the Belle Meade area of Gantt. This $3,811,883 project was funded in part by a $500,000 Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) grant. In total, 60,581.4 linear feet of pipe was cleaned, CCTV’d and evaluated, more than 36,150 linear feet of CIPP pipes was installed, 73 mainline repairs were performed, and 121 manholes were replaced or rehabilitated. We are well on our way to reaching the goal of reducing I&I by 28 percent in the area.

Botany Woods Neighborhood Rehabilitation

Most recently,  MetroConnects finished up rehabilitation and monitoring work in the Botany Woods neighborhood in Wade Hampton. This project was also funded by a generous $500,000 RIA grant, which helped offset much of the $1,307,174 bill. Work included 28,442.4 linear feet of line that was cleaned, CCTV’d and evaluated, 3,704.9 linear feet of CIPP pipe installed, 20 mainline repairs, and 26 manholes rehabilitated. The area should enjoy a 62 percent decrease in I&I thanks to these improvements!