From Ward 5 Councilman, Ed Ladouceur:
I was asked the following questions and referred them to the Director of the WSA for her replies.
I think this will clear up any rumors that may be floating around and clarify the anticipated scheduling so folks can make plans accordingly.
I hope this is helpful.
Feel free to share this at your meeting (RVIA Neighborhood Meeting) tonight if you choose.
ANSWERED BY:
BettyAnne Rogers
Executive Director
Warwick Sewer Authority
125 Arthur W. Devine Boulevard
Warwick, RI 02886
A) Curious, why has directional drilling been stopped for a few weeks?
The directional drilling contractor knew going into the Bayside Project that he would need to break for a couple of weeks to complete an on-going project in New York. He wasn’t certain of the exact timing and therefore the project schedules the WSA provided did not reflect the break. D’Ambra noted at yesterday’s meeting they will continue working in the open cut areas completing laterals and resume with directional drilling upon the contractor’s return in a couple of weeks.
B) Will the entire system go live at once or will portions go live as portions are completed?
The project will go live all at once.
C) Are you still on target for completion around the end of 2023 and still on budget?
D’Ambra indicated the project is on target for completion end of 2023. The project is still on budget.
D) Every home in Riverview will have a grinder pump. Each home pumps out into a line that eventually connects to the main line on Tidewater. If each home has a check valve and disperses liquified solids into main lines then what keeps everything moving ? What’s to say all my neighbors’ waste just doesn’t create a clogged up pipe up the road somewhere? Am I missing something ?
The grinder pump will grind wastes and pump it into the low pressure sewer line. The pump can handle a fair amount of head pressure. When pumps turn on through the neighborhood the waste will flow through the lines. When no pumps are engaged the waste remains stationary in the pipe. This is the way a low-pressure system is designed/engineered. Where gravity is not available, the pumps do the work.
E) Seems to me there should be a pumping station at the lowest point in Riverview to push waste up to Tidewater. If not all the waste ends up down here by gravity force. Creating major clogs. Several media sources say pipe is being installed 4-6 ft deep across the neighborhood but yet the actual terrain elevation runs up and down on each street. Many hills and valleys on way up to Tidewater . This has me stumped???
The system is pressurized (low pressure system) therefore waste will not end up flowing backwards/downhill due to gravity. A pumping station is not required in Riverview. Each of the homes’ grinder pumps act as “mini-pump stations”. Low pressure systems are designed to handle terrain that will not allow for gravity sewers. The elevation changes associated with the terrain in Bayside is addressed in the engineered design of this low-pressure sewer system.
F) I think of homes with garbage disposals and how easily they clog if pipe doesn’t have a good pitch and a drop to main line. (?)
Using a garbage disposal increases the amount of solids entering the holding tank of the grinder pump system. The more food waste that is sent to the holding tank the more often the grinder pump will need to be activated to grind the contents. Increased grinding and pumping will predictably tax the device. Alternatively scrape food scraps, and dispose of spoiled/expired food waste, to a trash can. Never dispose of dental floss, fats, oils, grease or grit (FOGG), feminine hygiene products, diapers, wipes, cotton swabs, coffee grounds, cat litter, etc. to the sewer system. These items should also be disposed of via the trash can. The sewer system is not designed nor intended to receive these materials. Always flush responsibly. There’s a saying in the wastewater network, “It’s a toilet, not a trash can.” The same holds true for the kitchen sink.
G) I was concerned yesterday when the sewer contractor was using a very leaky hose to run water from the hydrant into the sewer manhole outside our house (115 Priscilla). Given the drought conditions we’re in, it was upsetting to see water spraying on the road and onto our front steps. It would be nice if the contractor would patch these hoses and avoid wasting so much water. (?)
Justin of D’Ambra was informed of the situation and indicated he will address the issue with water use and leaky hoses.
Regarding paving………….
Main lines have been installed but crews are still working diligently on the laterals in the open cut areas. Once installed, the lines must be pressure tested followed by a 90 day (3 months) waiting period to allow materials to properly settle prior to paving. That would put us into winter season. Therefore, paving will not begin until next year. Exact timing is uncertain, but as we approach Spring and construction resumes, I’m certain D’Ambra will provide an update.
Forwarded from B. Rogers by:
Ed Ladouceur
Warwick City Council
Councilman Ward 5
401-447-7181
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