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Queenstown plans sewer camera inspections after smoke tests; Comcast may be held responsible for damage
Summary
Town Engineer reported smoke tests found multiple sewer concerns, and the town will camera lines after contractor work and higher water tables; three areas may have been damaged by Comcast and the town plans to notify Comcast and seek repair responsibility if inspections confirm damage.
At the August 14 meeting of the Queenstown Commissioners, Town Engineer Brian Fitzgerald reported results from recent sewer smoke testing and outlined next steps, including a plan to camera sewer lines and follow up with Comcast over possible damage.
Fitzgerald told commissioners that the Maryland Avenue drainage repair plan is complete and the town will obtain cost estimates. He said the Lead Service Line Project (Phase I) is ongoing and that smoke testing identified numerous areas of concern, some already addressed. "We contacted property owners to replace or repair cleanouts," Fitzgerald said, and added that three locations were identified as possibly damaged by Comcast. "If found to be damaged by Comcast, they will be notified and would be responsible for cost of repairs," he said.
The town intends to camera all sewer lines to document conditions and locate problem spots. Fitzgerald said the current plan is to wait until contractor Talkie finishes its work and until the water table is higher so crews can better identify problem areas. Video Pipe has indicated it is willing to televise lines; town staff expect that work could occur once conditions are suitable, possibly in early October.
Commissioners discussed how to prioritize the Old Wharf infiltration and inflow (I&I) project versus using ARPA funds for other needs. Fitzgerald said the inspection and video reports will inform whether to proceed with the Old Wharf I&I work or reallocate funding.
The town also plans a meeting with Comcast on Aug. 22 to review the smoke-test findings and the three areas identified as possibly damaged. Fitzgerald said the town will notify affected property owners and pursue cost recovery from any party found responsible for damage.
Next steps: staff will obtain repair cost estimates for Maryland Avenue drainage, schedule sewer camera work when site conditions permit, and meet with Comcast August 22 to discuss the identified issues.
