County mobilizes temporary bypass and emergency repair after suspected sewer main damage on International Way

Cowlitz County public works crews installed a temporary bypass and began excavation after a failure or collapse of a deep sewer main running under International Way, staff told the Board of County Commissioners.

County Engineer Susan Eugenis said the sewer main serves the main court building and nearby industrial customers. Public works crews initially attempted to clear the line using county equipment but were unsuccessful; because the main sits about 9 feet deep, staff requested emergency authorization and then mobilized a temporary bypass pumping system to maintain service to businesses while repairs are planned.

Eugenis said county crews enlisted AES (a contractor) to bring pumps and that staff finalized the bypass installation between Thursday and Friday so that two lanes of traffic on International Way could be maintained while the system runs. She said the county delayed full excavation over the weekend pending further inspection because “we were unsure of what we were going to find when we dug down.”

Crews began excavating to locate and assess the damage. Eugenis said the main’s diameter is larger than 12 inches and could be 15 or 18 inches, which may affect availability of repair parts. She said crews believe a recent bore for a 4‑inch gas lateral in the same location is the likely cause and that the county is investigating whether the contractor performed required locates or potholing prior to boring. Eugenis said if locates were properly requested and the utility still hit the county main, the contractor would be responsible; if locates were not requested or were not provided, the county would likely cover the repair costs.

Eugenis described record‑keeping practices for installed pipe and noted the county does not keep specialized shoring boxes or large long‑reach excavation equipment on hand for 9‑foot excavations, so the county sought a construction firm with the necessary experience. She said staff expect to continue the investigation and pursue reimbursement if the bore caused the damage, but that the investigation and repairs are ongoing.

The emergency was acted on quickly in the field and the county is preparing formal emergency paperwork and resolution for the file; the transcript records the incident report and the bypass installation but does not include a formal board vote in open session.