UPDATE: The Town of Ulster has just awarded a critical contract worth $479,391 to Missouri-based Insituform Technologies for the urgent relining of nearly 9,845 feet of aging sewer lines. This decision was confirmed during a Town Board meeting on November 20, 2023, where officials voted 3-0 to authorize the project aimed at preventing future sewer breaks.
The project targets sewer lines dating back to the early to mid-1970s, which are showing signs of deterioration but are not currently leaking. Wastewater Superintendent Vincent Maggiore emphasized the importance of this proactive measure, stating, “This is a proactive measure to avoid any sewer breaks in the near future.” The relining process involves inserting a new felt fiberglass pipe inside the existing concrete-style pipes, enhancing their structural integrity.
The need for this initiative arises from the potential high costs associated with repairing these deep, large-diameter lines, which can reach 15 inches and 24 inches in diameter and are located below the water table. “If they ever failed, it would be a very expensive price tag to repair them,” Maggiore warned, highlighting the urgency of addressing these aging infrastructures.
This project may cover only 5% of the entire sewer system’s lines but focuses on the areas most vulnerable to damage. Maggiore pointed out that grease buildup from local restaurants poses a significant threat to the sewer lines, saying, “Grease chews up lines.” The town conducted thorough reviews of the lines using advanced technology, including a robotic crawler that captured high-definition video of the sewer mains to assess their condition before proceeding with bids.
Residents can breathe a sigh of relief as officials have assured that the relining work will not disrupt sewer services. Most of the project is expected to take place during winter 2023, primarily during off-hours to minimize inconvenience to local businesses. “It’s going to be done on the existing pipe, which is never subject to freezing,” Maggiore confirmed, ensuring that operations will be smooth and efficient.
As Ulster undertakes this essential project, it underscores the town’s commitment to maintaining its infrastructure and safeguarding the community from potential environmental hazards. The collaboration with Insituform Technologies is a vital step toward ensuring a reliable sewer system for years to come.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as work progresses and the town continues to protect its vital utilities.
