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City: collapsed private sewer lateral is causing sinkhole, homeowner must repair
Summary
Public works staff told the council a private sewer lateral under a nearby property has collapsed and is pulling dirt into the city sewer, creating a sink and potential health hazard; the city says the homeowner must obtain permits and effect repairs.
Public works staff briefed the council that a recurring sinkhole near Smith’s is caused by a collapsed private sewer lateral, not city work, and that the homeowner must repair the lateral under permit.
Public works director Mont Rowe said the city used its camera to inspect the lateral and found the homeowner’s lateral had collapsed, identifying the pipe material as Orangeburg and describing it as 60–70 years old. "Their lateral is collapsed," Rowe said; "It's Orangeburg pipe, 60, 70 years old." Rowe told councilors that the failure is pulling dirt into the city sewer and causing the sinking area and backups. He said the city had filled the hole and placed a plate and barricades, but the fill would continue to fail if the private repair is not done.
Rowe said the homeowners have not pulled permits to cut the road or dig for repair, and he will deliver a letter requiring the repair. The council discussed safety concerns because the property is being used partly as a daycare and agreed that a formal notice to the property owner is appropriate. Rowe said permitting is required for any road cut and that the city will continue to document the issue with camera evidence.
Councilors acknowledged the city's camera purchase has already saved staff time and helped identify responsibility. City staff will deliver a repair notice to the property owner and follow up on permits and scheduling.
