Hartland authorizes emergency funds after 24-inch storm sewer collapse along E. Capitol Drive

The Village of Hartland on Aug. 25 authorized use of fund balance to replace a collapsed 24-inch clay stormwater pipe between 140 and 150 East Capitol Drive after staff said the pipe had failed and created a sinkhole at a private parking lot.

Tom, a village staff member who reviewed the site, told trustees that a televised inspection showed the clay pipe is collapsed, measures about 24 inches in diameter and runs roughly 160 feet. He said the pipe conveys significant flow from East Capitol Drive east toward Nixon, and recent storms likely worsened the failure.

Staff said they stabilized the sinkhole temporarily by adding larger cobblestone material to prevent further washout and that R & M (engineering) will provide prints to ensure correct elevation and pitch for replacement. R & M’s replacement estimate for the pipe alone is approximately $50,000, Tom said, but total costs could rise to $75,000–$100,000 depending on trench size and whether asphalt parking surface or sidewalk sections must be restored.

Trustees approved the board action authorizing use of fund balance for the emergency replacement; staff said the village must solicit contractors at a time when many contractors are closing seasonal work, which may affect timing. Tom said the lack of recorded easements in the area means the village will be responsible for replacing disturbed surfaces in private property areas where the village’s pipe lies beneath.

Trustees asked about interim stabilization; Tom said crews placed larger stone to reduce ongoing erosion and the sinkhole’s growth until excavation and replacement can proceed. Staff expects R & M’s prints in the coming week and will begin soliciting contractors thereafter.