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Union Bridge staff warn stream infiltration is straining sewer plant; officials to seek grants for restoration
Summary
Public works staff reported stream infiltration into the sewer system, noting plant flows that exceeded permit figures (about 200,000 gallons/day minimum and over 400,000 gallons/day maximum last month), described immediate patching and a planned 200-foot liner installation, and said the town will pursue grant funding for longer-term stream restoration.
Public works staff member Brett told the council the town is installing a liner in the sewer at the stream crossing at the end of George Street to reduce stream infiltration and protect the sewer line. He said crews installed two patches and plan to line about 200 feet between manholes, with the work expected to begin the following day.
Brett said the wastewater plant’s minimum flow last month was about 200,000 gallons per day while the maximum exceeded 400,000 gallons per day, roughly double the plant’s rated capacity, and said the town cannot sustain those levels indefinitely. He said the town will seek grant funding and asked agencies such as EPA, DNR and MDE for assistance with stream-restoration work to protect the sewer infrastructure.
"They put 2 patches in the pipe... they are gonna line it from 1 manhole to the others. About 200 foot," Brett said, describing immediate repairs and a planned lining.
Why it matters: stream infiltration is increasing flow through the sewer plant, threatening capacity and increasing the risk of overflows or service interruptions; the town's plan combines short-term repairs with outreach for external grant funding to pay for larger restoration work.
What’s next: staff will pursue grant opportunities and report back on procurement and repair schedules; council members asked staff to follow up with state and federal agencies at the upcoming municipal conference.
