Sewer Replacement Project - Buffalo, NY
Join project manager Dan Ziemianski, PE, for a tour.
THE PROJECT
The Buffalo Sewer Authority (BSA) routinely monitors and inspects its extensive system for issues that impede sewer flow. When the monitoring and inspection identified several spot-repair locations, site constraints including – but not limited to – large-diameter water mains in close proximity to the sewers prevented the use of existing emergency-repair contracts to conduct the repair work.
Erdman Anthony was retained under a term agreement to provide design and construction administration /inspection services.
FEATURES/SOLUTIONS
Initial phases of the project included reviewing the televised sewer tapes of the existing sewers to determine their conditions and lateral locations; investigating the subsurface extensively to determine soil, pavement, and rock conditions; detailed review of existing sewer plans; retrieval of water line-record documents; topographic survey; and coordination with utility companies.
The final project included:
- Replacing 475 feet of 21-inch sewer on Central Avenue
- Replacing 1,600 feet of 10-inch sewer and eight-inch water line on Chelsea Place
- Installing 350 feet of 15-inch sewer on West Delavan Avenue
- Replacing 300 feet of 15-inch sewer on Roseville Street
- Installing 325 feet of 10-inch sewer on Windsor Avenue
- Replacing a 24-inch sewer on Seneca Street, along with manholes, laterals, restoration, and all appurtenant work
IMPACTS
On Chelsea Place, the existing early 1900s water and sewer lines were installed in the same trench. To avoid excessive cost and disruption to the neighborhood, the new water and sewer lines were also installed in the existing rock trenches, requiring extensive meetings and coordination with the Erie County Health Department. The permit required several special construction methods to minimize the potential for future leaks and cross-contamination.
Special considerations were also required on Central and West Delevan Avenues where the new sewer was placed close to the existing 1900s-vintage 36-inch watermains.
The protection and continued operation of these mains was critical to the city’s water supply. Therefore, the contractor installed sheeting along the sewer trench to protect these facilities.