In January of this year, Maryland experienced a sanitary sewer overflow (SSO). A sewer pipe broke, and a large amount of wastewater escaped into the Potomac River. The combination of increased rainwater and aging pipes was the main cause of the breakage.

Boxelder Sanitation District is much smaller than the area where the overflow occurred in Maryland, and the likelihood that anything of that scale could happen in our community is nearly impossible. However, our commitment to preparedness includes preparing for SSOs. This quarter, we will take a look at how we work to prevent problems, plan for emergencies and the equipment that we have on standby to assist at a moment’s notice.

Breakages Are Uncommon in Our District, But They Can Happen

While aging infrastructure can contribute to breakages and wastewater spills, we have remained proactive in our repair and replacement efforts. We have completed several projects that include line replacements and new linings for older clay pipes, ensuring that we do not experience a breakage and spill. Our operations team inspects areas for potential damage and regularly maintains pump equipment to keep everything running smoothly.

Accidents are often the most likely cause of a spill. Sometimes construction projects near our lines use heavy equipment that can damage a pipe when they dig. There have been occasions when we have been called to plug a hole and divert wastewater after an accidental breakage. Boxelder has a trailer full of equipment on standby for these types of events. The pumps and hoses divert the spill to a different manhole to prevent additional wastewater from escaping the damaged part of the pipe. We can also use plugs to minimize the amount of wastewater released from the damaged area.

We don’t stop there. Our staff coordinates and oversees the repairs to make sure that the pipe is as good as it was prior to the break.  

Keeping an Eye on Stormwater

Colorado’s weather can be unpredictable at times. Despite the dry winter and an unseasonably warm start this spring, there is always potential for unforeseen weather events. Our treatment plant can accommodate a rise in flow caused by weather, but an increase in water into our system is something we carefully monitor. We work hard to ensure that these events don’t cause problems.

Additionally, Boxelder is not a combined system. This means that we do not receive stormwater into our sewer pipes. However, street flooding can cause stormwater to go into our sewer lines. Stormwater can flow into the sewer through gaps around manholes. Occasionally, large roots can push their way into a pipe and create a space for groundwater to flow into our lines.

Boxelder has an active program to repair and replace manholes that need to be sealed to prevent leaks. Also, areas prone to root intrusion from trees are regularly inspected, and the roots are removed using a stream of high-pressure water. Nevertheless, if there is ever a weather event that requires quick action, we have a plan for that too.

District staff works to update our standard operating procedures and training annually to be in line with other water authorities in the region. We have a good relationship with other water and wastewater districts around our community, and we cross-train and collaborate with them. This ensures that if there is ever a time when a coordinated response to an emergency is required, we are trained and ready to assist.

What Can You Do to Help?

There are ways that members of our community can help to prevent or minimize the risk of sewer spills. If you see a damaged manhole or notice wastewater coming out of a pipe or the ground, call our emergency line at (970) 567-3006 as soon as possible.

To prevent accidental breaks, call to have locates done before you do a major project on your property. Some of the sewer lines can run through or very close to private property. Large construction equipment can cause damage that may take some time to clean up and repair.

As always, being mindful of what you flush can also help keep our system clear. Backups are rare, but debris that causes blockages can lead to leaks. The additional time and maintenance clearing out clogs can be avoided by considering what is sent into the sewer and the consequences of it being there.

Boxelder is Focused on Our Customers and the Environment

Even if we will never see anything like what happened in Maryland, the news about the spill can be scary to hear about. That is why we wanted to reach out this quarter to let our customers know that we work hard for them every day. One of the goals we have at Boxelder is to “ensure excellence in every aspect of our operational needs, both present and future.” Every decision we make as a District is informed by how we can improve service to our customers and how we are impacting the environment.