Humboldt Sewer Repair Project Update

DEVELOPMENTS OF NOTE

The week of Sept. 11, crews will be preparing to replace sewer pipe on North Borthwick Avenue between Killingsworth Court and Killingsworth Street using a construction method called pipe bursting.

• Pipe bursting is a trenchless method that involves digging an access pit and inserting a bursting head into the existing sewer line. The bursting head breaks the old pipe apart and pulls the new pipe into place behind it.
• To learn more about this piper bursting go to portlandoregon.gov/bes/pipebursting.

Cured-in-Place Pipe-Lining (CIPP) is scheduled to continue in multiple locations during the day and at night.

• In most locations, lining will be completed during normal construction hours, but three locations will require CIPP lining at night.
• To view a map of CIPP locations go to portlandoregon.gov/bes/humboldt.

CIPP NIGHT CONSTRUCTION: DID YOU KNOW?

While most work as part of the Humboldt Sewer Repair project can be completed during normal daytime construction hours, Environmental Services received a noise variance to allow extended construction hours to complete main sewer pipe repairs using the Cured-in-Place Pipe-Lining method (CIPP).

During CIPP repairs, work crews access the sewer from manholes to insert a flexible liner inside the old pipe. Hot water or steam inflates and cures the liner, which gradually hardens to form a rigid, smooth surface that seals cracks and restores the pipe to near-new condition.

Once crews begin CIPP construction they must continue the process until the liner is fully cured, which may require working late into the evening at some locations. 

The liner used for the CIPP process will temporarily block wastewater from homes and businesses from entering the main line sewer pipe being repaired. 

In cases where water usage by businesses, apartment buildings, and schools creates heavy flow, there is a risk of waste water filling up private sewer pipes that connect to the mainline and backflowing into basements. To avoid this, crews must begin the process in the evening and work overnight when less water is being used.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Visit the project web page at www.portlandoregon.gov/bes/humboldt

or contact Matt Gough at 503-823-5352 or matthew.gough@portlandoregon.gov.  

Please contact the City of Portland Environmental Services if you have questions or concerns such as effects on business operations, medical or business deliveries, the need for help with access for people with disabilities, or other concerns.