Broomfield Council approves $1.6M stormwater pipe rehabilitation project using trenchless technology

The Broomfield City Council meeting on April 23, 2025, focused on the approval of a significant stormwater rehabilitation project aimed at enhancing the city's stormwater management infrastructure. The project will utilize advanced trenchless technology to rehabilitate aging stormwater pipes, which are crucial for managing rainwater and preventing flooding in the community.

City officials presented the details of the stormwater collection system, emphasizing its separation from the sewer system. The stormwater system is designed to collect and transport rainwater and snowmelt to local ponds and waterways without treatment, while the sewer system handles wastewater. The council highlighted the importance of maintaining the stormwater infrastructure to prevent flooding and erosion, as well as to improve water quality through regular maintenance activities like street sweeping.

The proposed rehabilitation project will involve the use of ultraviolet (UV) cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) technology, which allows for internal repairs without the need for extensive excavation. This method significantly reduces costs from approximately $800 per foot for traditional replacement to about $140 per foot for the trenchless approach. The project is expected to extend the service life of the pipes by over 50 years.

The council outlined specific areas targeted for rehabilitation, including Marimonte Park, Broomfield Plaza, Northmore, and Lacomora, with a total of over 1,500 feet of pipe scheduled for repair. The total cost for the project is estimated at $1,605,600, with construction anticipated to begin in June 2025 and conclude by the end of fall 2025.

Public comments during the meeting reflected community support for the project, with residents expressing appreciation for the proactive measures being taken to address aging infrastructure. Concerns were raised about specific runoff issues in the area, which city officials encouraged residents to report for further investigation.

The council unanimously approved the resolution to enter into a contract with CNL Water Solutions for the stormwater rehabilitation project, marking a significant step forward in enhancing Broomfield's stormwater management capabilities. The meeting concluded with a commitment to keep residents informed about the project timeline and any potential impacts during construction.