Newton City Council approves $317K sewer lining project

Newton City Council this week moved forward with a more than $317,000 sewer lining project. According to city documents included in the agenda packet, video camera footage obtained by city staff indicates that several segments on the city’s sanitary sewer mains are in need of repair.

Generally, these repairs are located in areas or upstream from areas where sanitary sewer surcharges have occurred due to excessive infiltration of groundwater or restricted flow caused by tree roots. The city said lining is an acceptable method of repairing without the need to excavate or repave streets.

All unused service wyes, pipe joints and cracks are permanently sealed by the line preventing sewage from seeping into the environment and preventing groundwater from migrating into the sanitary sewer system. If groundwater finds its way into sewer lines, it can often lead to sewage backups and other issues.

Plans and specifications for the sewer lining project were prepared by the Newton Utilities Department. The project includes lining about 6,103 feet of pre-rehabilitation inspection and 8-inch and 10-inch CIPP lining, about 139 service reinstatement and 38 CIPP end seals in three general locations.

Six bids were received and opened on Aug. 21. The top three bids included: a $317,072.70 bid from Municipal Pipe and Tool in Hudson, a $320,423.87 bid from Hydro-Klean in Des Moines and a $352,050.15 bid from Visa-Sewer from Pewaukee. Municipal Pipe and Tool was awarded the contract for its low bid.

The project will be paid for using water pollution control funds.