Town approves sewer-line inspection after notice of violation on Washington Avenue

Town officials said they will move quickly to determine whether the Washington Avenue sewer main can be relined after learning of a notice of violation tied to the line.

Adam Lman, the town’s water and sewer administrator, told the board the Washington Avenue-to-River Road extension lies partly down a steep bank, with old clay pipe dating to the 1934 system in places. He recommended contracting experienced sewer-lining contractors to clean and assess the reach to determine whether relining is feasible or whether rerouting and pumping alternatives will be needed.

The board authorized the supervisor to sign a proposal from Mar Construction for cleaning and inspection work at a cost of $5,250 and heard that Arnold Construction — which has lined many of the town’s sewer mains — would perform the relining work if the line proves suitable. Staff said relined liners historically last decades and estimates now suggest liners can exceed 50 to 100 years when properly installed.

The inspection is intended to satisfy, or move the town toward satisfying, the enforcement agency’s notice of violation; staff emphasized the inspection is not a guaranteed fix, but a step to define whether the line is repairable in place or requires a reroute or pump station.

Next steps: Mar Construction will perform the one-day cleaning/inspection; engineering and possible subsequent design or rerouting options will follow pending the inspection report and discussions with the enforcement agency.