Mount Vernon is planning two infrastructure projects aimed at addressing sewer backups and reducing maintenance needs. These projects are set to take place on Mansfield Avenue near Dan Emmett Elementary School and on Cottage Street.
"There are half a dozen or so large maple trees that are right over top of the sanitary main. And we've had a number of issues with that main. It's an old clay pipe. We've had to go in there several times to clean it out," said Assistant City Engineer Quentin Platt during the Mount Vernon City Council's meeting on November 24.
According to the meeting video, Platt explained that the Engineering Department decided to bundle these smaller projects into a single contract to attract more bidders and secure competitive bids. The city has been aware of the issue with the sanitary main running behind 103 to 111 Mansfield Avenue, which serves five customers but is hindered by large maple trees growing directly above it. The old clay pipe requires frequent cleaning and maintenance.
Platt also mentioned that the second project on Cottage Street emerged after a resident reported backup issues this summer. The problem involved a shared lateral with other houses, which could not be connected to the main as it was. Although this project will serve only three houses, it was determined necessary for these customers to have a reliable connection to the city sewer system.
The city will need a permit from the Ohio Department of Environmental Protection for installing a 120-foot sanitary line extension, according to Platt. One house has shown interest in connecting to the new main, and Platt expects others will follow due to similar issues with root infiltration and inadequate pipe size for multiple users.
Crews reportedly perform maintenance on the Mansfield Avenue section at least once or twice annually, which is considered excessive for servicing just five houses. Approximately six trees will need removal as part of this project.
