Utility Work Monday and Tuesday

The Wastewater Treatment Facility staff, along with Green Mountain Pipeline, will continue their inspection of the sewer collection system in the East Crystal Haven, Crystal Heights, and Crystal Meadows area on Monday morning, and if needed, continuing into Tuesday. Although this time of year is not preferred this type of work, recent issues have forced our hand to inspect/investigate (using a high-resolution camera system) the pipes to find the source of water and debris infiltration into the collection lines, manholes, and into the Sucker Brook pump station so we develop and implement a fix plan.

Recent inspections in the Crystal Haven area found several private sewer pipes that connect into the Town's collection pipes broken and allowing groundwater and debris to enter into the Town's collection pipes, which created a buildup of gravel, rocks, and other debris in the lines, causing restricted flows and creating a situation where debris entered into the manholes and the pump station. Green Mountain Pipeline uses a high-pressure "water jet" to clean the collection pipes so they can be properly inspected, as well as pushing the gravel, rocks, and other debris to the manholes, where they use a vacuum truck to remove the flushed materials from the system.

I urge municipal sewer users in those areas fill the traps in sinks, bathtubs, and showers with water to help mitigate any sewage from backing up into their homes. Sewer customers are encouraged to consider installing backflow preventers installed in their private sewer discharge pipes that will help prevent sewer backup into the home.

I apologize for any inconvenience the excavation of the roadways has caused; however, we cannot gain access to the manholes to perform inspection and cleanout without accessing the manholes, so I thank you for your patience and cooperation as we work to resolve the issues causing reduced flows and backups.