Ashland board approves cured-in-place sewer-liner project to reduce inflow and infiltration

The Ashland Board approved an ordinance authorizing a cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) liner project intended to reduce inflow and infiltration in aging sanitary lines.

Public works staff recommended the project after the 2021 I&I study identified priority sections needing rehabilitation. The work targets roughly 1,851 linear feet of 8-inch pipe in the Sarah Drive, Oak Street and Salinda Drive areas; staff described the work as a stepped approach within a 10-year program to manage sewer infrastructure maintenance. Staff estimated the short-term cost at $78,655 and said substantial completion is expected by summer or fall 2026.

“It’s step 2 in a 10-year plan as described in the 2021 I&I report,” the public works director said, noting the approach treats projects as recurring management work rather than a single large capital campaign. Staff also said the council could utilize piggyback pricing from the City of Fulton’s 2025 term bid to avoid a separate procurement.

Council members moved and seconded the ordinance during the meeting and approved it by voice vote. No formal objections were recorded in the transcript.

The project’s stated benefits include reduced backups, fewer root intrusions, and lower groundwater infiltration that the city must treat at the wastewater plant — a recurring operating cost. The ordinance and related procurement paperwork will be finalized consistent with the council’s approval.

Next steps: staff will finalize contracting under the piggyback pricing arrangement and proceed with scheduling; the council was told the work should be completed by late summer or fall 2026.