HILL TOP I & I REHAB PROJECT
The information below explains why the District is planning this project.
What is I & I? Infiltration and Inflow is clean storm and/or groundwater that enters the sanitary sewer system through holes, breaks, joint failures, connection failures, illegally connected sump pumps, down spouts, footing drains, and from cross-connections with storm sewers. Most inflow comes from storm water and most infiltration comes from ground water. High ground water levels and storm events can contribute to excessive sewer flows.
Why is I & I a problem for the Sewer District? Valley View's sewer system is a sanitary only system. That is, it was designed to transport only sanitary sewage, not storm water. There is a separate system maintained by the city or county for transport of storm water. When storm water enters the sanitary sewers it takes up capacity and can fill the sewer lines to overflowing. This causes sewage to backup into homes, businesses, and out onto streets.
Why repair the sewer stubs and private side sewers? Studies have shown that over 50% of I & I enters the public sewer system through stubs and side sewers. The sewer mainlines in this area have been thoroughly inspected and we know they are not a major source of I & I.
What is the funding source for this project? Valley View applied for and was awarded a loan through the State Public Works Trust Fund Loan Program. This is a source of money administered by the State that is loaned to qualifying municipalities for infrastructure construction and rehabilitation. The interest rate is lower than alternate funding and allows the District to do the work now without a major rate impact.
What is the Right of Entry form?The Right of Entry form allows the District's contractor to set up equipment and dig as necessary to rehabilitate the District owned sewer stub. Disruption will be kept to a minimum and all property will be restored to a condition as good as it was upon entry by the contractor.
What is the Agreement to Rehabilitate or Replace Private Side Sewer? While a contractor is on site to rehabilitate the District owned sewer stub you will have an opportunity to have your private side sewer replaced at a greatly discounted price. It would normally cost you $5,000.00 to $8,000.00 to have a contractor come on site just to replace your private side sewer. Because of the trenchless construction method being used and because the contractor is already on site your side sewer can be replaced for no more than $500.00 as part of this project. The District's contractor will video inspect your side sewer as part of the project so that the District and contractor can advise you about whether or not your side sewer should be rehabilitated. If there is no need to repair or rehabilitate your side sewer there will be no cost to you. Examples of side sewers with root intrusion (see video below for an example of root intrusion), a common problem in older side sewers, are available for you to view.