EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP – The Atlantic County Utilities Authority recently completed the replacement of a critical sewer pipeline that connects Longport, Margate, Ventnor and a section of Egg Harbor Township to its wastewater treatment facility in Atlantic City.

The project highlights ACUA’s commitment to investing in its infrastructure to ensure reliable wastewater treatment for thousands of Atlantic County customers, a release stated.

The $8 million-dollar, multi-step project, began in April 2020 and was ultimately completed in February. In total, 4,300 feet of steel pipe was replaced with a new high-density polyethylene pipeline. The project was funded through a low-interest loan provided by the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank.

The plan to replace the entire pipeline was underway, when in April 2020, a leak was detected that spurred the project to begin sooner than expected.

After further exploration, it was determined that grit made up of small stones, rocks and sand caused the premature erosion of the steel pipeline. More frequent and more intense storms are increasing the prevalence of grit in the sewer system. The new HDPE pipeline will better withstand these conditions.

The replacement was completed in two parts. Phase 1A replaced 2,100 feet of pipeline along Bader Field in Atlantic City. Phase 1B replaced 2,300 feet of pipeline that stretches below the Atlantic City Expressway, the New Jersey Transit rail line and Beach Thorofare.

The underwater replacement was completed using a directional bore, creating a hole that the new pipeline was later pulled through. This modern technology minimizes disturbance to water activities and marine life.

The infrastructure project was completed in partnership with contractors Arthur R. Henry Inc. for Phase 1A and C. Abbonizio Contractors Inc. for Phase 1B.

The City of Atlantic City, the Atlantic City Health and Human Services Department, the Atlantic City Office of Emergency Management, the Atlantic County Division of Public Health, Atlantic City Electric, GHD, Inc., South Jersey Transportation Authority, New Jersey Transit, New Jersey Infrastructure Bank, and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection supported the project..

According to the release, the ACUA regularly assesses its infrastructure and prioritizes improvements and upgrades as part of its Asset Management Plan. The plan ensures investments are performed in a cost-effective and efficient manner while keeping ACUA rates stable for Atlantic County customers.

As part of this plan, ACUA regularly inspects its infrastructure to measure the integrity of pipes and other equipment. Most recently, ACUA invested in a tennis ball-sized tool called the “smart ball” to measure pipeline conditions and detect even pin-hole size leaks. The latest inspection performed confirmed there are no leaks within the system of pipes leading to the treatment facility.

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