CARPIO – The City of Carpio has applied for a Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan to finance a $1.28 million project to rehabilitate its sanitary sewer collection system.

The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality (NDDEQ) has determined the proposed project has met its required environmental review in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, allowing the project to move forward.

Carpio’s existing system was installed in 1959, and it is unknown if there have been any significant upgrades since the original construction, according to the NDDEQ. NDDEQ information states the system consists primarily of vitrified clay pipe that has reached the end of its useful life and is showing signs of failure. These failures are allowing infiltration of ground water and sediment into the system, which may lead to blockages, sewage backups and sink holes. Excessive infiltration could result in premature failure of the lift station pumps and increased costs to pump and treat the city’s wastewater. Failure to correct these issues will result in continued risk to the surrounding environment and public health.

The proposed project will rehabilitate the sanitary sewer collection system using trenchless methods, such as cured-in-place pipe, and open cut excavation to repair sanitary sewer mains and manholes. These improvements will reduce the issues associated with ground water and sediment infiltration into the system and ensure the consistent and safe conveyance of the city’s wastewater, according to NDDEQ’s findings.