Public works outlines permanent fixes after Dec. 18 force-main sewer break

Jackie Cordero, Avalon public works director, told the council the city responded to a forced-main sewer leak at the wastewater treatment plant on Dec. 18 and completed an interim repair to maintain service.

"So we had a forced main sewer leak on Thursday, December 18 that we've been still working on," Cordero said, describing a response that included a lay-flat hose, vactor-truck runs, a Godwin pump, and excavation to depths of 15 to 18 feet. She said the interim fix allowed normal and peak flow operations while staff plan a permanent solution.

Cordero outlined next steps: installing a 12-inch pipe from the break to the plant, renting a rotor screen and installing a bypass connection, and conducting a condition assessment from the break to the Pebbly Beach lift station and from the Puebli Gate manhole to Saint Catherine's. The assessment will determine whether sections need replacement, slip-lining, or spot repairs and will inform cost estimates and a project schedule.

Council members asked about funding and whether proceeds from the green pier or capital improvement funds would be used. Cordero said emergency funds and existing capital-improvement allocations are being tapped and that staff will bring specific cost estimates back to council.

The timeline for permanent repairs depends on assessments, she said, and additional manholes may be needed along Pevoli Beach Road. Council and staff agreed on the need for a follow-up report with project scopes, cost projections, and a schedule to help the city plan potential rate or budget adjustments.

The city manager later noted that long-term wastewater treatment options could cost tens of millions of dollars and would require identifying additional funding sources before pursuing a full facility replacement or major upgrades.