Water conservation message is lifted
Annapolis (December 23, 2005) - The Department of Public Works (DPW) today announced that permanent repairs of the collapsed wastewater line are nearly complete drawing to a close Phase I (emergency response). These repairs were initiated after the collapse was reported on Saturday, December 17. A temporary wastewater by-pass system to divert the sewage around the collapsed pipe was constructed and fully operational 24 hours later.
As of 4:00 p.m. Thursday, December 22, fifty feet of permanent replacement pipeline had been put in place, representing half of the overall pipe that failed on Saturday. A below-grade, temporary pipe spanning the remaining half of the collapsed section is expected to be in place by 5:00 today at which time the temporary by-pass system will be deactivated for the Christmas holiday weekend. The balance of the permanent repairs to the collapsed pipe will be completed next week.
As a result of this progress, DPW will lift its water conservation message at 5:00 p.m. While customers should always use water resources prudently, conservation measures related to this project are being lifted.
Phase II – Permanent Rehabilitation of Surrounding Lines
At this time, DPW has completed an internal assessment of approximately half of the 2000 linear feet of gravity sewer pipe that conveys wastewater to the Mill Creek Pumping Station. Initial assessments indicate the pipe is intact, but portions of the internal pipe wall have incurred significant corrosion. With this knowledge, DPW has launched Phase II of this initiative to permanently rehabilitate these aging lines. A contractor has been secured and rehabilitation work from Jones Station Road to Peninsula Farm Road, exclusive of the repairs being made at the site of the collapse, is expected to begin in early January.
This phase of the project is expected to last into early February, weather-permitting. During this time, the community can expect to see various above-ground by-pass systems put in place as different sections of pipe are taken out of service for rehabilitation. Any noticeable noise or odors are associated with the by-pass system. Additionally, some night-work will be required.
Environmental Assessment
As a result of the wastewater flow from the collapse, sediment was deposited in the upper reaches of the Mill Creek wetlands. This week, the Maryland Department of the Environment authorized contractors working for DPW to install a containment system and begin removing sediment from the Mill Creek wetlands adjacent to the pumping station. At this time, the containment system has been put in place to prevent any further sediment from washing downstream. A sediment removal plan to minimize further impact on this sensitive area is being developed at this time and is expected to be launched next week.
Health Department Update
The Department of Health continues to report that the emergency closing of Mill Creek is still in effect. The Department warns against wading, swimming and other direct water contact; fishing; and crabbing in Mill Creek until further notice. People coming in contact with the affected water should wash well with soap and warm water immediately. Clothing should also be washed. |
