Council approves emergency purchase order to replace failed forcemain at Twin Rivers Golf Course

The Oviedo City Council on Monday adopted Resolution No. 4585-25 to authorize emergency work and purchase orders needed to replace a failed wastewater forcemain that crossed the river near Twin Rivers Golf Course.

Public Works staff displayed a removed 10-inch section of ductile-iron pipe and described corrosion holes on the pipe’s exterior. Staff said the failure appears to be caused by corrosive soils acting on the pipe from the outside in, and noted the original installation dated to 1988. The failure was discovered after a contractor investigating a smell cut into the line near Hole 16 on the golf course; camera inspection later showed additional brittle pipe sections approaching the river.

To reduce environmental risk and provide a long-term fix, staff said the replacement pipe is high-density polyethylene (HDPE) fused in 20-foot sticks and directionally drilled beneath the river. Public Works staff said three pipes were installed in the same easement historically — a force main, an effluent pipe that was never connected and a water main — and replacement work focused on the southern force main. Staff emphasized the urgency and environmental risk if the failed pipe had leaked directly into the river.

Council members voted to approve the emergency purchase and the associated resolution. The recorded roll-call vote showed unanimous approval: Mayor Mary Sladek, Council member Botterford, Deputy Mayor Tucart, Council member Bridal and Council member Ott voted aye.

Staff said the affected crossing was approximately a 1,200-foot drill and that the work to replace the forcemain will be part of a series of near-term pipe replacements identified after acquisition of the utility assets; staff noted related replacements are in the Capital Improvement Program for design and future construction.