Sewer backup and septic power outage prompt emergency work at RSU 40 high school

District staff told the facilities committee a sequence of infrastructure problems led to a sewer backup and a subsequent power loss at the high school that required immediate contractor response to keep the building operational.

On April 6, staff discovered a sewer backup at catch basins near the gym. The facilities director said investigations showed that frost heave and shifting had altered the outlet pipe pitch, allowing solids to collect and causing frequent stoppages. Interstate Septic used trucks and high‑pressure water to clear catch basins and recommended excavation to verify pitch and reseat or reuse the basins.

Separately, the septic system lost power when a transformer failed and an underground cable was punctured near a 90° corner where frost had pushed up rock. The district hired Ali Electric (Ed Alli) and Vanna Construction (Steve Vanna) to replace the transformer and trench more than 300 feet of new cable; Interstate Septic pumped tanks to provide capacity while the electrical repair proceeded. Staff reported power restoration late Monday and said the old line was removed.

Facilities staff thanked the contractors for rapid response and said they will install cellular notification on the septic system to receive immediate alerts if power is lost. Board members praised the emergency coordination and asked staff to bring a follow‑up with cost estimates and any required code notifications; staff said a letter from local sewer/code enforcement is expected.

No formal motions or votes were taken during the report; staff will return with additional details and a cost estimate for repairs and potential parking-lot replacement where excavation is required.