The Fernie manhole sealing pilot program is getting underway this week as the City works to reduce the amount of stormwater entering the municipal wastewater system.
During intense storms, heavy rainfall and rapid snowmelt, wastewater flows can reach five to six times normal volumes. The City says increasingly frequent extreme weather events, combined with ageing infrastructure and private sump pump and downspout cross-connections, are putting significant pressure on the wastewater system.
What is a manhole?
A manhole is an access point to an underground utility system, typically protected by a removable cover at street level. In a wastewater system, manholes allow crews to inspect, maintain and repair underground sewer pipes.
In Fernie, stormwater can leak into some wastewater manholes during heavy rain or rapid snowmelt. Sealing those leaks helps keep stormwater out of the sanitary sewer system and reduces the volume of water that must be handled and treated.
11 manholes targeted this fall
City crews will repair and seal 11 high-priority manholes where stormwater has been identified as leaking into the wastewater system.
The locations were selected using recent inspections and updated wastewater system modelling. Work will take place in the Annex, Mountview, West Fernie, Riverside and Ghostrider neighbourhoods.
A sealant will be applied to prevent stormwater from infiltrating the manholes and entering the sanitary wastewater system.
Residents can expect temporary lane closures over the coming weeks while crews complete the work.
Part of a larger wastewater strategy
The pilot program is one of six initiatives planned or underway to reduce stormwater impacts on Fernie’s wastewater system.
Reducing the amount of stormwater entering sanitary infrastructure is intended to lessen the extreme increases in wastewater flows that occur during major rainfall and snowmelt events.
The City identifies stormwater impacts as one of two major challenges currently facing Fernie’s wastewater system.
Read more City wastewater details here: letstalk.fernie.ca/wastewater
