Ulster Town Board Approves $479,391 Sewer Relining Project

The Town of Ulster has awarded a contract worth $479,391 to Missouri-based Insituform Technologies for the relining of approximately 9,845 feet of aging sewer lines. The decision was made during a Town Board meeting on November 20, 2023, where officials voted unanimously in favor of the project.

Vincent Maggiore, the town’s wastewater superintendent, explained that the existing sewer lines are made from a concrete material. The relining process will involve inserting a new pipe made of felt fiberglass inside the old pipes. This technique aims to enhance the structural integrity of lines that, while deteriorating, are not currently leaking.

“It’s a proactive measure to avoid any sewer breaks in the near future,” Maggiore stated. The relining will also help prevent groundwater from infiltrating the sewer system, thereby reducing the risk of leaks.

Planning for the project included a review of the sewer lines, which are primarily from the early to mid-1970s. Maggiore expressed concerns about the potential costs associated with repairing these lines if they were to break. “Those bigger lines that are 15- and 24-inch in diameter are extremely deep and they’re below the water table,” he noted. “We don’t want to repair those. If they ever fail, it would be a very expensive price tag to repair them.”

While the project addresses only about 5% of the overall sewer system lines, it targets areas most vulnerable to deterioration. According to Maggiore, grease buildup from nearby restaurants contributes to wear on the sewer lines, making proactive measures essential.

The assessment of the sewer lines was conducted using advanced technology. “We have a robot crawler that drives through the sewer mains and takes high-definition video,” Maggiore explained, highlighting the thoroughness of the evaluation process prior to seeking bids for the work.

The relining project is not expected to disrupt service in the area. Work is scheduled to take place during the winter months, primarily during off-hours to minimize any inconvenience to local businesses. “Because it’s in commercial areas and done overnight when businesses are closed, it shouldn’t be a problem,” Maggiore said.

In summary, the Town of Ulster’s decision to invest in the relining of its sewer lines reflects a commitment to maintaining the integrity of its infrastructure while addressing potential issues before they arise. This forward-thinking approach is aimed at safeguarding the community’s wastewater system and preventing costly repairs in the future.