Issues with aging sewer pipes could lead to repair costs of $17,000 for the Boothbay Harbor Sewer District.

Trustees recently received up close evidence of serious problems with the sewer system’s aging pipes when they were provided with video documentation of several areas.

BHSD Superintendent Chris Higgins explained that video footage of the system’s pipes was taken after the jetting operation that was performed earlier this fall.  

The jetting uncovered bricks and rocks greater than one inch in size in the system. Video camera work was initiated as a follow up to provide more information. After the pipes have been jetted, a video camera is moved through the pipes to assist in an underground inspection.

“A review of the video uncovered several problems that can’t wait and need to be repaired as quickly as possible,” Higgins said.

A proposal for the repair work has been submitted by Ted Berry Company, Inc. of Livermore and an estimate to repair the seven most serious locations is approximately $17,000.

The video shows roots, rocks, breaks and sagging in some of the pipes and the more severe cases need to be repaired immediately. The resulting video footage has a marker display, which can pinpoint the location of the camera within six inches so that repair teams know precisely where to direct their efforts.   

Higgins explained that some of the lines are cracked or broken, allowing debris to enter the sewer system. Cracks and breaks in sewer pipes allow water and materials that should remain outside the sewer system to enter the system.

This problem, called “I and I” meaning infiltration and inflow, creates a greater demand on the system’s capabilities and can lead to even more serious damage.

Sewer lines that are sagging prevent any future relining efforts unless they are repaired, and relining is necessary for the district to maintain its infrastructure without needing more expensive replacement of sewer lines.

The aging infrastructure of the sewer system is an ongoing concern to Higgins and trustees as they review proposed expenses for the 2015 operating budget.