City declares emergency as sewer trunk main collapses

In a special meeting held on short notice, city officials declared a state of emergency due to the collapse of the Avenue 13 Sewer Trunk Main, a critical infrastructure component that handles approximately five million gallons of sewage daily. The emergency was prompted by a sinkhole reported on Monday afternoon, located near the Mission Bell truck entrance.

City staff quickly mobilized to address the situation, engaging contractors for bypass pumping to maintain sewer flow while repairs are underway. Rain for Rent and Floyd Johnston Construction were brought in to assist with the emergency measures, which included a complete road closure on Avenue 13 and traffic control to ensure public safety. Fortunately, local businesses, including Georgia Pacific and Mission Bell Winery, were able to maintain operations through alternative access points.

The city is operating under public contract code provisions that allow for emergency repairs without the usual bidding process. Initial assessments suggest that the damage may be localized to a single segment of the concrete pipe, which has been compromised due to gas corrosion. The city plans to replace the damaged section with a new pipe and subsequently line the entire trunk main to enhance its durability against future deterioration.

The estimated cost for the immediate repairs is projected to be between $250,000 and $300,000, with additional expenses for bypass pumping and traffic control. The city anticipates that these emergency costs can be absorbed within the existing budget for the Avenue 13 trunk rehabilitation project, which is set to begin construction in July.

City officials emphasized the importance of the trunk main, noting its age of approximately 50 years and the challenges posed by the corrosive gases associated with wastewater. The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote to affirm the emergency actions taken and to proceed with the necessary repairs, ensuring the continued safety and functionality of the city's sewage infrastructure.