The Authority continues to conduct an extensive and aggressive Rehabilitation Project throughout its sanitary sewer system. This approach is two-pronged: 1. Investigate, locate and repair or replace identified sources of I&I on the Authority owned sanitary sewer system, AND,--- 2. Investigate and identify which properties are contributing I&I to Highland’s system, and have the Property Owner/Customer make effective repairs. Our progress and results are monitored by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PaDEP) via bi-annual reports submission by Highland. The PaDEP restricts or prohibits further development based upon our documented efforts and results. Historically, during severe precipitation events the sanitary sewer pipe network becomes overloaded, causing basement floodings, discharges to streams and watercourses and/or overflow out of manhole lids. In addition to being unsanitary such surcharges and overflows are a violation of State and Federal law. The cause of this overloading is the introduction of surface water and ground water, either inadvertently or on purpose, into the sanitary sewer system. The sanitary sewer system is not sized to act as a “storm sewer system”. Storm sewers are an entirely separate pipe network.
Sources of the un-permitted “storm” water are classified in two categories; Infiltration&Inflow (I&I). INFILTRATION referring to slower, more inadvertent sources (cracks in pipe, etc.) and INFLOW being more direct (downspouts, driveway drains, sump pumps, etc.) sources. Whether purposely or inadvertently introduced the draining of surface and/or ground water in to the Sanitary Sewer System is a Violation of Highland’s Rules and Regulations, and must be corrected and eliminated.
Highland operates a 4-man “I&I Crew” solely devoted to identifying and removing I&I sources on the Highland owned system. Additionally, Highland awards Contracts (via a public bidding process) to construction firms for various sewer rehabilitation pipeline projects. Over $8.6 million has been expended to date. However, it is important for all customers to realize the amount of underground (and under slab) piping they have on their own private property. Including the piping buried under the basement as well as that out in the yard an average home/customer may have 102’ of pipeline located on their property. (In fact, Highland’s sewer customers own/control nearly as much pipeline as does Highland. Highland has approximately 120 Miles of Mains and Laterals. It is estimated the Customers combined piping totals over 107 Miles.) Understandably then, our customers need to be a big part of our I&I reduction efforts. That 102’ (more or less) of pipeline on the Customer’s property could have multiple sources of I&I. An example of common defects/violations on the Homeowner’s lateral system are shown on the diagram below:
What's Wrong with This Picture?
Can you spot all the sources of un-permitted (illegal) drainage of stormwater and ground water possible at your home?
(10 of the most common are shown above)
(10 of the most common are shown above)
- Cracked/broken pipe
- Foundation drain
- Driveway or area drain
- Downspout
- Leaking joints
- Leaking connections
- Sump pump discharge
- Footer drain
- Entrance way drains
- Wall/floor seepage or flow
As part of Highland’s Rehabilitation Program a View Port is being installed (if one is not already in existence) on each customer’s sewer lateral, near the property line. All new sewer system customers since 1974 have been required to install a View Port as part of our connection requirements. All View Ports are plastic, 4” or 6” diameter caps in one of these 2 styles:
The new standard style being installed by and required for new sewer customers utilizes an inverted (recessed) operating nut, as shown;
In some cases (i.e. traffic areas) the plastic cap may be enclosed within a cast-iron cover. Any and all pipeline connected upstream of the View Port is the responsibility of the property owner. During excessive precipitation events (day or night) you may notice Highland personnel removing the View Port Cap to monitor the flow coming from your property. If it is determined your property is adding I&I to the Highland system you will be mailed a Violation Notice. All property owners receiving such a Notice are required to complete effective repairs and/or replacement in a timely fashion. All repaired homeowner systems, as well as all newly installed homeowner systems must be pressure tested in accordance with Local and National Building Codes.
Homeowners are asked to consider their Sanitary Sewer piping network as an integral part of their home’s infrastructure, just as they do a Roof, Driveway, Heating System, Windows, etc. Most Homeowner’s accept the fact that those major components eventually wear out and need upgraded or replaced. We ask that you consider your buried sewer piping in that same way.
NOTE: It is important, as well as required by our Rules and Regulations, to NOT cover, hide, or obstruct access to the View-Port!
If you have any questions regarding this matter, or want to learn more about Highland’s rehabilitation project contact Jeremy Horvath ( jhorvath@highlandwater.net, or 266-3146, ext. 105), Highland’s “Assistant Systems Director”.
PLEASE NOTE that this issue of “I&I Overloads” IS NOT merely a Highland problem. It is not only a widespread Local issue, but also a State and Federal issue as well. Throughout our Nation the first major wave of sanitary sewer systems (and Sewage Treatment Plants) occurred in the 1950’s. The next major wave of construction occurred in the early 1970’s. Therefore, across our Region and across the Country significant numbers of aging systems, 40-50 years old or more, are nearing or at the end of their useful life. The following Link (for Johnstown Redevelopment Authority) has many similarities to the Highland situation:
http://www.johnstown-redevelopment.org/video/jra_sewage.html
http://www.johnstown-redevelopment.org/video/jra_sewage.html
