Accomplishments

The division recorded 205 sewer-related actions or complaints. Sluggish or blocked mains generated 11 complaints. There were 89 complaints related to actual lateral blockages. Twenty-Four (24) of these were when a plumber was unable to restore service or reported a defect. The department restored service by using sewer-cleaning rods or the Harben. Plumbers addressed the other 65 lateral complaints. Fourteen (14) laterals were inspected with the Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) equipment. The other complaints resulted in a general investigation or were unrelated to lateral or main malfunctions. A total of 189 trouble reports occurred while on-duty and 16 were call-outs. The call-outs are as follows: Four due to main blockages and 12 due to reports of lateral blockages.

The division repaired nine laterals during 2009. This represents a slight increase over the past several years (2008: 4 repairs, 2007: 6 repairs, 2006: 4 repairs, 2005: 3 repairs, 2004: 6 repairs). This is not an unusual number, and is more typical of historical experience.

The division had only one main repair during 2009. The department repaired a small section of 8” TCP damaged by the York Water Co.

The department cleaned 245,200 lineal feet of sanitary sewer during 2009. (2008: 163,058; 2007: 135,567).

During 2009, Video Pipe Service relined 1257 feet of the 18-inch Gas Avenue sewer. Wexcon Inc. replaced and encased 65 feet of 10” PVC sewer along the Upper Poor House Run. The end of 2009 saw the start of the North West Triangle Sewer Replacement. Main Sewer pipe replacement/rehabilitation: 2009- 1322’, 2008-817 lf.

The crew also televised 1,278 lineal feet of sanitary sewer mains in 2009 (2008: 1278’; 2007: 5,024)

In 2009, 2320 manholes were inspected during cleaning activities.

A total of 35 sanitary sewer manhole frame and covers were replaced or adjusted to grade. Five (5) storm sewer manholes were replaced or adjusted. One manhole cushion was installed.

The chemical root control program for laterals continued in 2009. Root control was applied to 29 service laterals where homeowners indicated or the crew found root problems.

The department continued its multi-year contract with CSL. This firm collected data and prepared reports from the 15 inter-municipal flow meters and two rain gauges. This information was used for sewer billing. The performance of the vendor has been excellent. This contract has provided the City with increased value at a lower cost, when compared to the previous service provider. This contract was renewed and extends for an additional four years.

The department responded to 1,826 requests for PA-One Call utility markings. This is a slight decrease from previous years. (2008: 2115, 2007: 2113, 2006: 2,066, 2005: 1,727).

Five (5) Flood Pump Stations were maintained and serviced. All five stations were operational and ready for a flood emergency.

An improved database management system was used for tracking activities within the department.

The Sewer Emergency Response Team continued to operate for serious sewer related backups.

The department continued to update the comprehensive sewer maps and lateral detail sheets.

The Superintendent continued to work on the mapping and attribute components of the GIS system for sanitary sewers and began working on components of the storm sewer system. The system was used to assist in identification and inventory of I/I sources.

The department assisted the Highway crew in paving and excavation projects. It also assisted the Parks Bureau in several projects.

In turn, the Highway Bureau and Parks Department assisted Sewer Maintenance on several patching projects and during the manhole replacement project.

The department continues to assist the WWTP in cleaning and inspection projects.

The department staffing reached its normal level by December 2009. The newer employees are being trained on back-hoe operation, general sewer maintenance and repair.