No dig sewer lining program to continue this year

Utilities Kingston cleans and inspects the sanitary sewer pipe network in the City of Kingston on a 12-year cycle. As a result of these inspections, pipes are identified that require rehabilitation or reconstruction.

In 2021, Utilities Kingston is continuing the now annual sewer lining program to rehabilitate aging pipes and improve operating efficiency, using a process that avoids digging up pipes and disrupting neighbourhoods.

Starting in April, up to 8,000 metres of sanitary sewer main will be lined in several neighbourhoods including Strathcona Park, Grenville Park, Hillendale, Polson Park, and Calvin Park, according to a release from Utilities Kingston, dated Thursday, Apr. 8, 2021. The program was piloted in 2020, in the Kingscourt area, with carry-over work remaining this year.

“Aside from improving the infrastructure, this work reduces otherwise clean storm water from infiltrating the sanitary sewer system, increasing pipe capacity and reducing the risk of localized basement flooding. The work will also increase operating efficiency, as reduced sewer flows mean less pumping and treating wastewater,” said Jim Miller, Chief Operating Officer of Utilities Kingston.

Instead of digging up the road along the entire length of the sewer main, Utilities Kingston’s contractor, Insituform Technologies Limited, will access the pipe through maintenance holes to complete the work, according to the release. This involves preparing the inside of the sewer mains and then inserting a felt liner that is saturated with a resin. This resin compound is then cured-in-place to form what is, essentially, a ‘new pipe within a pipe,’ according to Utilities Kingston.

Information for residents in the work area:

Utilities Kingston said in order to reduce the disruption to customers, the lining work will be completed within a 12-hour period. Residents in the affected area will be notified approximately one to two weeks prior, and again 24-48 hours prior to the lining process.

When the liner is initially inserted, it will temporarily block the sewer laterals that carry wastewater from homes and businesses to the sewer main under the street. Utilities Kingston said the contractor will cut these out to open the service, but residents will need to take temporary measures to reduce the wastewater coming from their property. 

“It will be important that residents in the work area take steps to avoid filling the sewer lateral with wastewater, creating a risk of sewer backup to the home,” the utility company said.

Utilities Kingston provided residents with these tips:

• Use cottage rules for flushing.
• Wait to shower, wash clothes, or run the dishwasher until you are notified that the work is complete.
• Delay washing cars.
• Every little bit helps. For example, you can turn off the water when you shave or brush your teeth.

Utilities Kingston said as they carry out work in your neighbourhood, they and their contractors remain committed to the health and safety of workers and the public. The utility is adhering to all relevant safety guidelines released by Ontario to protect workers, customers and the general public from COVID-19.

Workers will not enter customer premises (unless in an emergency). Please practice physical distancing by keeping at least two metres away from Utilities Kingston employees and contractors.

More information and contacts

• View the Utilities Kingston project page for additional information on this work: https://utilitieskingston.com/Projects/Detail/SewerRehabCIPP.
• For concerns directly related to this work, call the contractor’s 24-hour line at 905-523-2605.
• General inquiries can be directed to customer service, Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 613-546-0000.