Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Sewer Emergency topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Cowlitz County begins emergency work after suspected sewer main damage on International Way
Summary
Public works told commissioners crews installed a temporary bypass after reports of sewage flow problems on International Way and are investigating possible damage from recent utility boring; a formal emergency resolution and procurement paperwork are being prepared.
Cowlitz County public works reported an emergency excavation and temporary bypass operation near International Way after customers reported toilets and drains backing up.
"We determined that with our equipment, they were unable to do so. And we're requesting that management bring forward an emergency," said Susan Eugenis, county engineer, describing the discovery of a potential collapse or breach in a deep sewer main. Eugenis told the Board of County Commissioners the sewer main sits about 9 feet deep and serves the main court building and nearby industrial customers.
County crews and a contract excavator installed a temporary bypass pump system so businesses could keep operating while crews dug to the line. "We finalized that installation Friday with AES bringing in pumps that are on a good timer system, so they throttle up and down," Eugenis said. Staff said they delayed major repairs over the weekend pending a daylight inspection to determine whether the repair would be a short fix or require longer replacement work.
Public works staff said they believe the damage is at or near a recent gas lateral boring and are investigating whether Cascade Natural Gas or another contractor struck the sewer line during that work. "If we have located it properly, yes [we will seek reimbursement], because it's in the locate laws that if it's located properly and they still hit it, then the person doing the work" pays for the damage, Eugenis said; staff said they will verify the applicable tolerance for locates and the project documentation.
Because the sewer main exceeds the county crews' typical excavation depth and may require shoring and specialized equipment, staff requested emergency contracting authority to bring in outside crews to excavate and repair. Commission staff said the board would see an emergency resolution and related purchasing paperwork in a subsequent meeting packet; in the meantime the bypass and traffic controls were in place and two lanes of traffic remained open on International Way.
Staff did not report a final repair estimate in the meeting excerpt. They said the county has record drawings that show pipe inverts and materials but that the depth and local soil conditions (boiling sand in places) make excavation and repair work specialized and potentially time‑consuming. Public works said it had engaged AES because that firm had previously assisted the county on similar work and was available to mobilize quickly.
No formal claim or final determination of responsibility was recorded in the meeting transcript; staff said they are still investigating locates and contractor actions and will bring follow‑up paperwork and an emergency resolution for formal board action.
