FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP SA MARCY STREET SANITARY SEWER REHAB

The Franklin Township Sewer Authority ("FTSA") recently rehabilitated its sanitary sewer with $3.7 million in loans from the NJ Water Bank, a low-rate funding program jointly administered by the DEP and the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank ("I-Bank"). Total savings for this project are estimated to be more than $1 million over the 30-year term of the loan or 29% of the total project costs as compared to the authority financing it independently. In addition, this project created an estimated 44 direct one-year construction jobs.

Recent inspections found that many of the underground pipes in the Marcy Street neighborhood were made of old Orangeburg material, a type of pipe made from layers of ground wood pulp and asbestos fibers that was used from the 1860s through the 1970s. It is prone to deterioration and failure. The Marcy Street Orangeburg pipe has deteriorated over time, causing blockages and wastewater buildup.

To address these problems, FTSA cleaned and inspected more than 13,000 feet of existing sewer pipe and replaced or repaired the worst sections. The work included installing new gravity sewer lines and service laterals, using cured-in-place pipe lining (CIPP) to strengthen existing pipes, rehabilitating manholes, and repaving affected roadways.

The project will enhance the reliability of sewer service for residents and businesses while extending the life of local infrastructure, ultimately reducing long-term maintenance costs for taxpayers. Replacing and rehabilitating pipes directly reduces inflow and infiltration (I&I) which is excess groundwater and stormwater that gets into the sewer system where it does not belong. The reduction of I&I benefits the environment by freeing up treatment capacity at the plant, reducing the risk of sanitary sewer overflows, and eliminating the cost of treating the excess groundwater that is kept out of the system. In addition, the restoration of road surfaces improves safety and the overall appearance of the neighborhood. 

"Investing in our infrastructure is investing in our community's future," said Phillip Kramer, Mayor of Franklin Township. "Through the leadership of the FTSA and our partnership with the New Jersey Water Bank, we were able to replace deteriorated pipes and modernize our sewer system in a way that protects public health, maintains environmental health, minimizes the cost impact, and improves the quality of life for our residents. This project ensures that the infrastructure beneath our streets is as reliable and resilient as the community we serve above them."

This project was designed by CME Associates and constructed by Jo-Med Contacting Corp.

Picture courtesy of CME Associates