The Wastewater Collections team is a branch of the Public Works Maintenance Division. This team is responsible for maintaining the sanitary sewer system between customers property line and the Wastewater Treatment Plant. The network consists of 80+ miles of underground pipe ranging from 54” to 4” inches in diameter.  Some of the system is over 100 years old. There are over 1400 manholes that range from 3 feet to over 30 feet deep, which are used to access the system lines.  The Wastewater Collection system is separate from the Storm Water system collecting rain from the streets.  

Once the system reaches the Treatment Plant the Operations Division of Public Works takes over the treatment of sewage under regulations from DEQ and EPA.

 
Maintenance activities include
  • Inspections of manholes for infiltration of ground water and structural integrity

  • Video inspections of the piping with specialized cameras  

  • Line cleaning using high pressure water jets (+1,800 PSI)

  • Debris removal from pipe lines using a large vacuum system 

  • System integrity inspection using smoke into the pipes to find illegal connections or breaks in the system 

  • Special fluorescent dyes are used to track system flows

In addition to inspections and operations, the Wastewater Collections crew also performs repairs to the damaged or failing areas of the system. This includes:
  • Excavating and repair of mainlines

  • Installation of new service laterals

  • Manhole repairs and installations

  • Sealing of the pipelines to prevent and reduce groundwater infiltration

Work performed by the Wastewater Collection team is enhanced by some of the latest technologies in excavation and inspection procedures. The focus of their efforts is to provide an effective and efficient system that helps protect the public health, while operating the system in full compliance with Oregon DEQ regulations.  They provide a necessary service to our customers and stewardship of the environment and the community.

 

For questions regarding the collection system contact the Maintenance Division at 503-537-1234 or email: maintenance@newbergoregon.gov.