On Monday afternoon, the bypass pipe at the Water Pollution Control Plant was put in place and the plant was restarted. Unfortunately, the cog wheel on the grit chamber broke soon after the restart. This was caused by the weight of the sand that continues to enter the plant from the site of the collapsed pipe. City crews worked late into the night to make the necessary repair to the cog wheel. This morning, sand that re-entered the plant is being removed and the lines are being plugged. It is estimated that the plant will be functioning via the bypass pipes by early afternoon. The replacement pipes arrived this morning and as soon as the plant is functioning, work will begin on installing the new sewer pipes.
It is believed that the flood raised the water level and brought too much pressure on the pipe causing it to collapse. The remote area of the pipe and the fact that the entire area was underwater delayed detection and has hindered repairs. The repair team is being led by Public Services Director Steve Winburn, Utilities Director Bo Ladner, and Water Pollution Control Plant Manager Rusty Adams. Assisting in the repair effort is Jim York of York & Associates Engineering, Inc.
The Boat Basin area is still closed to the public. Fishing is not allowed at the Boat Basin or in the Flint River in an area stretching from the Boat Basin and approximately a mile downstream until the EPD give the all-clear.
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