NORTHWEST BERGEN COUNTY UA INTERCEPTOR

The Northwest Bergen County Utilities Authority ("NBCUA") recently closed on an $8.1 million loan through the New Jersey Water Bank to finance Phase 2 of its Interceptor System Rehabilitation project.

Most of the Authority's gravity and pressure interceptor system was constructed in the late 1960s and 1970s and is approaching the end of its useful life. In recent years, the NBCUA has experienced several system failures and has undertaken detailed inspections and condition assessments to identify defects that require corrective action. Because much of the system is aging and located near residential neighborhoods and environmentally sensitive areas, a major failure could result in wastewater spills that threaten public health and the environment.

This phase of the project focuses on critical structural and mechanical repairs. Force main repairs will address sections of pressurized pipe that carry wastewater from pump stations to treatment facilities. These improvements include replacing deteriorated pipe segments, rehabilitating joints, and restoring protective coatings to prevent leaks and corrosion.

The project also includes repairs to air release manholes, which house valves that release trapped air from pressurized sewer lines. Properly functioning air release valves help maintain system pressure, prevent pipe damage, and reduce the risk of breaks or overflows.

In addition, multiple interceptor manholes will be rehabilitated. Interceptor manholes provide access to large sewer lines that collect wastewater from local systems and convey it to treatment plants. Rehabilitation work includes structural repairs, sealing to prevent infiltration and exfiltration, and restoring internal linings to extend the life of these critical assets.

Together, these improvements will strengthen the reliability of the regional wastewater system, reduce the risk of emergency repairs, and protect surrounding communities and natural resources for years to come.