Ulster Approves $479,391 Contract for Sewer Line Relining

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 came during a Town Board meeting on November 20, 2023, where officials unanimously approved the measure with a 3-0 vote.

Wastewater Superintendent Vincent Maggiore explained that the existing sewer lines, constructed from concrete, will be reinforced using a felt fiberglass material. This process involves inserting a new pipe within the old one, thereby enhancing the structural integrity of the lines, which have started to show signs of deterioration.

“This is a proactive measure to avoid any sewer breaks in the near future,” Maggiore stated. He added that while the lines are not currently leaking, this initiative will effectively prevent groundwater from seeping in and causing further issues.

The sewer lines targeted in this project date back to the early to mid-1970s and include larger diameter lines measuring 15 and 24 inches. These lines are located deep underground and below the water table, making any potential repairs costly. “We don’t want to repair those,” Maggiore said, underscoring the financial implications of a possible failure.

While this project addresses only about 5% of the entire sewer system, it focuses on areas most susceptible to deterioration. “Grease chews up lines,” Maggiore noted, pointing to the challenges posed by nearby restaurants that contribute to the wear and tear on the infrastructure.

Prior to seeking bids for the relining project, officials conducted thorough reviews of the sewer lines. “We have a robot crawler that drives through the sewer mains and takes high-definition video,” Maggiore explained, highlighting the advanced technology used to assess the condition of the pipes.

The relining work is scheduled to take place during the winter months and is not expected to disrupt service. Maggiore reassured residents that the operation would occur on existing pipes, which are insulated from freezing temperatures. “Most of this job will probably be done off hours to eliminate any disruption,” he added. By scheduling the work overnight, when businesses are closed, the Town aims to minimize inconvenience to the community.

This proactive investment in the sewer infrastructure demonstrates the Town of Ulster’s commitment to maintaining essential services while safeguarding against future costly repairs.