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Rutland Town engineers to probe deteriorated sewer pipe under Route 7 after recurring blockages
Summary
Selectboard ratified an engineering work order to study a deteriorated cast‑iron sewer main under Route 7 following recurring surcharging and sanitary discharge near a car wash. Officials say a full repair likely requires an open‑cut excavation and multi‑phase construction.
Rutland Town officials told the selectboard they are moving quickly to address a failing sewer main under Route 7 after months of recurring blockages and surface discharges near a commercial car wash. The board ratified an engineering work order for Auto Creek Engineering (Robert Clark) to develop options and coordinate permits with VTrans.
Why it matters: The deteriorated cast‑iron pipe under the northbound lanes near Diamond Run and the mall access has clogged repeatedly with debris and grease, and engineers warned the current condition likely requires a deep open‑cut replacement. The main runs at an unusually deep invert (reported as roughly 12–13 feet), making trenching substantial, costly and disruptive to traffic.
What officials said: “The state says that they want you to try to directionally bore that 3 times and fail before they're gonna do something,” said Highway Road Commissioner Dave Sears, reporting on discussions with VTrans and engineers. Sears and the town’s engineers described directional boring and pipe bursting as limited options because the existing cast‑iron pipe has deteriorated and lacks the structural integrity required for pipe‑bursting methods.
Town engineers and VTrans staff told the highway committee that the most reliable long‑term fix is an open cut that will likely be executed in multiple phases (manhole‑to‑manhole sections), with lane shifts and extensive excavation. As an interim measure, engineers recommended installing debris traps at the car wash driveway manhole and said the town is exploring temporary buried storage tanks to prevent surface discharges during peak car‑wash use.
Board action: The selectboard ratified a motion to authorize Robert Clark (Auto Creek Engineering) to proceed with engineering surveys, permit coordination with VTrans, and to develop a phased repair plan. The board approved the ratification vote by voice; the transcript records the motion carried 4‑0.
Local context and next steps: Town officials reported finding cans, food waste and grease in the sewer system that have lodged in the deteriorated pipe, worsening blockages. Contractors previously used a jetter and temporarily cleared flow but repeatedly encountered debris and sections that would not pass equipment. Officials said they will pursue a permit strategy with VTrans and, if approved, target a summer construction window for full repair. The town also plans to install a manhole basket to trap future debris at the car wash driveway and was exploring temporary holding tanks to limit overflows while permanent repairs are designed.
Ending: The selectboard authorized Auto Creek Engineering to prepare drawings, survey work and coordinate state permitting; town staff will report back to the selectboard with an estimated timetable and cost once the engineering assessment and permit discussions progress.
