BACKGROUND:
As a result of the recent notification from MDOT; Michigan Ave., from Platt to Carpenter, has been awarded State and Federal funds for reconstruction starting as early as 2022. This has caused the township Utilities Department to review up and coming capital improvements.
In 2009 and again in 2017, the township experienced a sewer collapse on each occasion. It was identified at each collapse (second being the more severe) H2S gas caused premature failure due to the severe deterioration of the pipe.
In 2015 the Township was awarded a State grant to evaluate all sewers in the community twenty years of age and older, Michigan Ave. sewer being one. Completed in 2018, TV inspection of this main exposed signs of H2S gas deterioration of various levels in this sewer. Due to the sewers location currently being under the shoulder of Michigan Ave. and as part of the proposed road construction, this sewer would be located under the newly constructed road. Therefore, in effort to maximize cost sharing efforts, minimize impacts to area resident and traffic flows, and avoid catastrophic failures which could impact the road as well as vehicular traffic as well; it is recommend that the proposed sewer project be designed and constructed in concert with the reconstruction of Michigan Ave.
The attached concept map provides an overview of the project limits as well as project phasing. The sewer outlined in yellow is Phase I, blue Phase II, and orange Phase III. Upon completion of the design, this will determine factors such as final location, method of installation and impacts.
Related to overall project funding, the department is pursuing State bonding and grant opportunities. As part of the design process, a formal engineers estimate of project cost will be provided detailing expenses related to all three phases.