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El Cajon to install parallel sewer under I‑8 after liner failure; council approves emergency repair plan
Summary
The council approved emergency repairs after a 2007 pipe liner under Interstate 8 failed and collapsed; staff reported contractors removed liner material, a robotic cutter was trapped, and directional boring to construct a parallel pipeline is the recommended solution with a $1.5–$2 million estimate to be funded from the wastewater enterprise fund.
City public works staff told the council June 25 that a sewer alarm on May 28 revealed a fully blocked 8‑inch sewer line running under Interstate 8; contractors found a previously installed 2007 pipe liner had failed, portions of the pipeline had collapsed and one robotic cutter was trapped in failing material.
Interim public works director Dave Richards said emergency powers authorized initial contractor work to clear and inspect the line and to run 24‑hour bypass (highlining) to prevent overflows while crews worked. Staff described slow, careful removal of liner fragments using remote cutting equipment and cameras and said a recent inspection found additional structural failures that risked larger collapses.
City engineering director Yasmin Arayano said staff evaluated alternatives and recommended constructing a parallel pipeline by horizontal directional drilling to the east of the existing line, then properly abandoning the failed liner. Caltrans has been involved because the pipe passes under I‑8; staff said Caltrans is monitoring the situation and has restricted open‑trench options across the freeway because of sinkhole risk.
Richards and Arayano gave preliminary cost estimates: about $500,000 spent to restore service and remove liner sections and an estimated $1.5 million to $2 million to install the parallel pipeline. Staff said these expenses will be charged to the wastewater enterprise fund; the city’s rate study includes about 60 days of reserve for emergencies (roughly $4.0 million), though staff cautioned actual remaining reserves will be below that target due to the scope of work. The council discussed liability for contractor equipment and potential warranty or recoupment later if a liable party can be identified.
Council authorized staff to proceed with the recommended emergency work and to use enterprise funds as needed; the motion carried unanimously.
