War Acres declares emergency to repair 15‑foot sanitary sewer sinkhole

War Acres city staff told the council March 17 that a 15‑foot‑deep sanitary sewer sinkhole developed on Northwest Expressway near 5601 and required prompt, professional repairs.

Public Works staff explained the pipe breach is allowing surface water and soil to enter and erode the line; the city said mapping indicates the line carries a large flow from the Cherokee Hills area and would require bypass pumping, shoring and heavy equipment to safely excavate and repair. Staff estimated repair costs could exceed the mayor’s $30,000 spending limit and possibly approach $50,000. The council heard that camera inspection is not feasible without bypass pumping because the line carries too much flow.

Because the failure matches the statutory definition of an emergency — an unforeseen condition that endangers public health, safety or public property — the council approved a motion to declare an emergency. City Attorney provided legal context for bypassing the formal competitive bidding timeline under the competitive bidding exception for emergencies. Council members noted the repair will likely be reimbursable as an eligible expense under the Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan when tied directly to the sanitary sewer project.

What’s next: Staff will solicit emergency repair proposals and may use Cowen Group or other contractors to prepare bid documents, then bring individual contracts back to the council as required. Officials said repair timing and final cost estimates will be provided once bids or contractor assessments are available.