Bexley launches six-part sewer series, cites aging clay pipes and Ohio EPA order

Mayor Ben Kessler told council on Jan. 27 that the city will run a six-part mini-series on sewer infrastructure beginning with "Chapter 1: The Vanishing Pipes," an informational briefing meant to prepare the council for an upcoming RFQ and formal study of Bexley's sanitary system.

Kessler said Bexley's sewer system includes "over 40 miles of sanitary lines, over 42 miles of storm lines, and over 46 miles of water lines," with the majority of sanitary mains being 8-inch lines (about 156,000 linear feet, roughly 72% of the system). He noted about 750 manholes, nine outfalls into Columbus, 12 inflows, seven relief connections and that much of the city's sewer infrastructure predates 1929.

The mayor said the system's older sections are largely vitrified clay pipe "with joints every 2 to 4 feet" whose joints have degraded over time, allowing water to enter and leave the system. He described issues found in inspections, including illegal connections, debris and occasion- al dumping in catch basins, and overlapping storm and sanitary lines that can lead to commingling and backups.

Kessler tied the city's work to regional legal obligations: he said the city and other jurisdictions connected to Columbus inherited a 2009 Director's Final Findings and Orders from the Ohio EPA, the result of earlier litigation involving the Sierra Club and alleged Clean Water Act violations that required corrective measures and a long-term funding plan.

City staff described planned steps: a conventional RFQ process to select engineering and study services, a board-of-control review, and a council appropriation ordinance to fund the study. The presentations are informational, Kessler said, and the study's findings will later inform capital priorities and financing discussions (including bonds or assessments) after the engineer reports.

Council members pressed staff on repair methods and materials. Andy Bayshore and other staff described typical repair approaches: camera inspection to locate failures, point repairs when feasible, cured-in-place lining as often the most cost-effective option, and PVC connections to remaining clay using rubber boots when joining materials. Staff said cast iron is an alternative but has maintenance and equipment drawbacks.

Kessler said future sessions will dive into inflow and infiltration, modeling limits (current mapping lacks pipe depth), and priorities for targeted capital investment. Staff reiterated the presentations are informational and the study will determine the most appropriate next steps and financing needs.