Macclesfield board hears wastewater inspection; consultant says system 'generally in good shape' but aging

Rich Moore of McDavid & Associates briefed the Town of Macclesfield Board on the results of sewer-camera inspections and cleaning, saying crews identified gasket deterioration in some collection-pipe locations but otherwise found the system “actually in good shape.”

Moore told commissioners the primary long-term risks are the system’s age and rising demand as the community grows, and he said some repairs will be prioritized while other items can wait. He noted that utility crossings and past digging have damaged sections of pipe in places and that some gaskets will need replacement.

Moore said the project team hopes to have permits in hand to advertise the rehabilitation work by December and that the town could break ground as soon as next spring. He also stated that the current DEQ schedule — with dates that stretch toward December 2026 — will be difficult to meet and that the department has previously granted extensions; he expects DEQ will consider additional scheduling flexibility.

Town leaders did not take a formal vote on capital authorization during the meeting; Moore said he will return next month with draft AIA (Archaeological/Architectural) reports and more detailed repair recommendations for the board’s review.

The board’s next step is to review the draft reports when presented and determine whether to move the project into a formal procurement/advertising phase. The consultant’s timeline and DEQ coordination will be pivotal to setting definitive bid and construction dates.