ACUA/Testing locations.
VENTNOR - The Atlantic County Utilities Authority provided an update on the status of the sanitary sewer force main repairs currently underway on Wellington Avenue in the Heights section of the city.
Construction and Repair Work
Following the successful construction and activation of the bypass line shortly after 1 a.m. on Saturday, Feb.27, the discharge of wastewater stopped. ACUA's contractor was then able to begin to assess the area of the break on Monday, March 1. The sewer main was exposed at the location of the leak, revealing a problem with a coupling at the point where two pipes were connected.
The area around the leak was secured by constructing a box to stabilize the sides of the excavated area to provide a safe area to work.
A pipe repair specialist, Core and Main, was consulted to determine the best method of repair.
On Wednesday, March 3, preparations began to replace the coupling that had slipped out of place at the connection point between the two pipes.
The repair will be made by joining the existing pipe with a special flanged adapter which will be custom manufactured for the 27-inch sewer main. Delivery of the specialized equipment needed to complete the repair is anticipated by March 12.
Cleaning Efforts
Lafayette Utilities continued performing cleanup of sand and remaining debris along the curbs, inlets, and side streets this week.
Water Testing
A second set of water samples was taken on Wednesday, March 3 from seven locations around the leak area.
Two locations remained above the accepted threshold for enterococcus bacteria, however the levels had decreased very significantly from the first samples which were taken on Feb. 23, prior to the connection of the bypass line.
The NJDEP and the County Health Department will determine when the next round of water testing will be done.
Future Work
After the break is repaired and tested, the bypass will be removed.
The Atlantic County Department of Planning and Engineering will then assess the roadway to make repairs to restore the comprised area. Until the temporary construction of the roadway is deemed safe, the detours around Wellington will remain in place, although additional modification to improve the flow of traffic may be possible as repairs advance.
