cfrw.us Blog

Cape Fear River Watch, Inc.
617 Surry Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 762-5606
cfrw@ecoisp.com
http://www.cfrw.us/

From: City.Manager.Sterling.Cheatham@wilmingtonnc.gov [mailto:City.Manager.Sterling.Cheatham@wilmingtonnc.gov]Sent: Friday, August 11, 2006 9:54 AMTo: City.Manager.Sterling.Cheatham@wilmingtonnc.govSubject: sewer update to key community leaders

Good morning, I have good news to share with you about our ongoing sewer system assessment. As a key community leader, I want to make sure you continue to receive up-to-date information so that you can share it with others.

The study of the Northeast Interceptor Pipeline (NEI) is nearing completion, with testing of the pipe showing that the major problems in the pipeline appear to have been addressed or are in the process of being addressed. In addition, the study did not find any areas of pipe that appear to be in imminent danger of failure, but did identify recommended short-term and long-term rehabilitation efforts, as well as a plan for expansion of the line.

Kimley-Horn and Associates conducted the study at a cost of $443,000. The city’s portion of the NEI consists of almost 9 miles of pipeline running from Hewlett’s Creek Pump Station 34 to the Southside Treatment Plant on River Road. The only area of pipe identified as being in imminent danger of failure was the section of pipe running along Shipyard Boulevard, which is already being repaired.

For short-term improvements, the study recommends that two areas of pipe be replaced within the next year, including approximately 2000 feet of pipe along Greenville Loop Road near Shinwood Road. KHA also recommends that a segment of pipe near the entrance of Oakmont Apartments on Pine Grove Drive be repaired, along with a nearby manhole. In addition, they recommend that the valves located at regular intervals along the NEI that are designed to expel corrosive gases be replaced. These short-term repairs are estimated to cost $1,860,000 and are expected to occur within the next eight months.

In total, KHA estimates that all of the recommended repairs and expansion would cost $26.3 to $33.9 million over the next four years, depending on which one of two expansion alternatives is chosen. This cost includes: the short-term repair costs, the recommended 3-5 year improvements, the long-term recommended repairs, the pipeline expansion, and recommended pump station upgrades and expansions.

The complete report, along with the associated technical reports, can be viewed on the city’s website at http://www.wilmingtonnc.gov/ on the Sewer System Improvements page. See the “7/06 Sewer Update” link on the right side of the Sewer Improvements page.

It is important to us that you, our citizens, know how seriously we take this issue and what we are doing to make needed improvements. We are committed to making the improvements to ensure the protection of our citizens and our environment. Please feel free to e-mail me if you have further questions. Thank you.

Sterling B. Cheatham
Wilmington City Manager
910-341-7810