ACUA provides update on repair of sewer main break in Ventnor Heights

Wastwater flows to the ACUA treatment plant in Atlantic City.

VENTNOR - The Atlantic County Utilities Authority Tuesday evening reported progress on repairs to the sewer main break reported on Sunday, Feb. 21. Pumps will be put into place to alleviate flooding around the damaged sewer line, detours are in place to enable access to the Ventnor Plaza shopping center and Atlantic City, and vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic is prohibited in this area of Wellington Avenue. People are being asked to avoid walking, biking, and driving through flooded areas.

The ACUA provided a detailed update on progress being made to fix the leak:

Repair Work

ACUA's emergency contractor has been making progress on the excavation for the bypass line. The second location for the bypass connection has been determined and excavation is underway. The length of the bypass will be approximately 660 feet.

Bypass piping is on site and is being fused together and preparations are being made to attach the fused pipe to the bypass line when the specialized tapping equipment is delivered. The tapping saddles are anticipated to be installed and the fused pipe connected Thursday which would enable the activation of the by-pass by Friday night.

Addressing Flooding Issues

To relieve the flooding on Wellington Avenue and nearby side streets, ACUA's contractor has ordered two large pumps and related piping to drain and move wastewater off the streets. The ACUA has received permission from the NJDEP to discharge this water into the bay. This is a temporary measure and should not need to continue once the bypass line is in operation. However, the pumps will remain on site should they be needed to drain water from the area.

The pumps are scheduled to arrive by Tuesday night. After the piping arrives and is prepared, pumping could begin by Wednesday afternoon.

Water Testing

Water sampling was conducted Tuesday at six locations selected by Atlantic County Department of Health and the NJDEP. Test results have not been received from the lab.

As a precaution, the NJDEP has issued a notice of suspension of shellfish harvesting from the Lakes Bay area until it can be assured that the waterways are safe for shellfish harvesting https://www.nj.gov/dep/wms/bmw/docs/publicnotice02232021.pdf

Trash and Recycling

Wednesday collections for trash and recycling in the Ventnor Heights area will be moved to Saturday. Residents in the impacted area of Wellington Avenue where traffic is prohibited are advised to move their carts to the nearest side street for collection.

Additional information and updates will be posted on acua.com and on social media.