Mar 24, 2021
Update: Tuesday, March 24
Water testing results show no elevated levels of bacteria in the areas previously impacted in the vicinity of the site. Due to the weather, paving activity will be done tomorrow, Thursday, March 25.
Update: Tuesday, March 23
Cleaning efforts are continuing this week in the section of Wellington Avenue in Ventnor City where the sewer main was repaired. Cleaning was conducted in storm sewers and on side streets. ACUA's street sweeper has been onsite to clear debris.
ACUA’s contractors are working to end the current detour and safely open the closed section of Wellington Avenue as soon as possible. Paving is planned for Wednesday, March 24. This temporary repair will enable traffic to utilize Wellington Avenue. This repair will be amended with a final resurfacing once proper settlement and a full evaluation of the roadway is conducted after the summer traffic has ended.
Water samples were taken Tuesday and results will be shared when they are made available Wednesday afternoon.
Update: Tuesday, March 16
Work to remove and disassemble the bypass pipe was completed.
Lafayette Utilities began backfilling and compacting the excavations.
ACUA’s contractors are working to end the current detour and safely open the road as soon as possible. Pending weather and other factors, the goal is to be able to discontinue the current detour on Wellington Avenue by the end of the month. While this will enable traffic to utilize Wellington Avenue, please note that this temporary repair will need to be amended with a final resurfacing once proper settlement and a full evaluation of the roadway is conducted after the summer traffic has ended.
Update: Monday, March 15
Sewer Repair Completed
At 12:30 a.m. Saturday, March 13, contractors prepared to retest the sewer main repair and connection while sewer flows were at a low point. The line stops were opened to allow water being bypassed to flow through the repaired section of the sewer main.
The repair showed no evidence of leakage. As a precaution, the excavation around the repair was kept open over the remainder of the weekend.
The successful repair was strong and secure, and contractors began disassembling the line stop and by-pass equipment Monday, March 15.
The NJDEP and Atlantic County Health Department will schedule additional water sampling and testing.
Work continues to prepare the site for roadway restoration.
Update: Friday, March 12
Repair Work
On Thursday, March 11, ACUA's emergency contractor, Lafayette Utilities, along with subcontractor Core and Main, worked to install the custom fabricated materials which were delivered Wednesday evening.
The repair involved fusing transition pieces onto ends of the existing pipe, cutting a spool piece to the required length and fusing flanges on both ends of the spool piece. Once the spool piece was set in place, work continued to bolt the flange connections together to complete the repair.
At 12:30 a.m. Friday, March 12, contractors began work to test the repair and connection. This work must be done when wastewater flows are low. Subcontractor Garrison Enterprise began to open the line stop to divert wastewater from the bypass line back to the repaired sewer main. Noting minor leakage at the connection point, the line stop was reactivated so that the repair work could resume in the morning.
Friday morning, adjustments were made to tighten the repair connection. Following the contractor’s recommendation to let the repair work set for 24 hours, the repair will be reassessed on Saturday with the plan to test the connection during the night Saturday, March 13 into Sunday, March 14.
Future Work
After the repair is completed successfully, the bypass pipe can be deactivated and removed. Excavation pits will then be filled and the roadway will be temporarily paved, enabling Wellington Avenue to reopen. After a required period of approximately six months, a final resurfacing of the roadway will be completed.
Update: Wednesday, March 10
Repair Work
ACUA's emergency contractor, Lafayette Utilities, is awaiting the delivery of custom repair materials needed complete the repair to the sewer main on Wellington Avenue. These materials are being fabricated and are anticipated to be delivered Wednesday evening, enabling the contractor to install this equipment on Thursday, March 11.
Cleaning Efforts
During the week Lafayette will continue sweeping impacted streets.
Water Testing
Water samples were taken Tuesday, March 9. After incubating the samples from nine locations, test results showed two sites which exceeded the threshold for enterococcus bacteria. These levels have decreased significantly from earlier sampling. Additional sampling will coordinated and scheduled by the NJDEP and the Atlantic County Department of Health.
.jpg "Wellington Water Samples 3.9.21")
Future Work
After the custom repair materials are delivered and the repair is completed successfully, the bypass pipe can be deactivated and removed. Excavation pits that were constructed to access the pipe to create the bypass and then to address the area of the leak will then be filled and the roadway will be temporarily paved, enabling Wellington Avenue to reopen. After a required period of approximately six months, a final resurfacing of the roadway will be completed.
Update: Thursday, March 4
Construction work
Following the successful construction and activation of the bypass line shortly after 1 a.m. on Saturday, February 27, the discharge of wastewater stopped. ACUA’s contractor was then able to begin to assess the area of the break on Monday, March 1. The sewer main was exposed at the location of the leak, revealing a problem with a coupling at the point where two pipes were connected.
The area around the leak was secured by constructing a box to stabilize the sides of the excavated area to provide a safe area to work. A pipe repair specialist, Core and Main, was consulted to determine the best method of repair.
On Wednesday, March 3, preparations began to replace the coupling that had slipped out of place at the connection point between the two pipes. The repair will be made by joining the existing pipe with a special flanged adapter which will be custom manufactured for the 27” sewer main. Delivery of the specialized equipment needed to complete the repair is anticipated by March 12.
Cleaning Efforts
Lafayette Utilities continued performing cleanup of sand and remaining debris along the curbs, inlets, and side streets this week.
Water Testing
A second set of water samples was taken on Wednesday, March 3 from seven locations around the leak area. Two locations remained above the accepted threshold for enterococcus bacteria, however the levels had decreased very significantly from the first samples which were taken on February 23, prior to the connection of the bypass line. The NJDEP and the County Health Department will determine when the next round of water testing will be done.
Future Work
After the break is repaired and tested, the bypass will be removed.
The County of Atlantic Engineering Department will then assess the roadway to make repairs to restore the comprised area. Until the temporary construction of the roadway is deemed safe, the detours around Wellington will remain in place, although additional modification to improve the flow of traffic may be possible as repairs advance.
Update: Saturday, February 27
Beginning at midnight ACUA and contractors mobilized to activate the bypass line. ACUA and municipal operators coordinated to temporarily stop the flow of wastewater from Ventnor/Margate and Pleasantville Pumping Stations. Shortly after 1 a.m., the line stops were activated and the bypass was successfully brought on line. The bypass prevents the discharge of wastewater and will enable the contractor to uncover the location of the leak for repair.
.jpg "Wellington Activating line stop at South Pit stopping flow from the Downbeach")
Update: Friday, February 26
Repair Work
ACUA’s emergency contractor installed two tapping saddles in each of the excavated areas on either side of the damaged sewer line early Friday morning. This specialized equipment is required for the bypass line installation. Final connectors for the bypass line were fused into place and forms were set for the concrete saddle anchor. Concrete trucks began pouring concrete for the anchoring process around noon on Friday. ACUA anticipates the bypass will be initiated around midnight Friday when the flows from the Downbeach community area are lowest, and wastewater can be held temporarily at the pumping station while the bypass comes online. Setting the line stops will require the temporary shutdown of the ACUA Ventnor/Margate and the Pleasantville pump stations and is done with coordination from Ventnor and Margate.
Cleaning Efforts
Two Jet-Vac trucks continued work clearing the residue from the break on the affected side streets and sidewalks. Streets completed today include the southeast side of Victoria and Surrey, Dudley, Suffolk and the area along Wellington between Dudley and Oxford.
Future Work:
After the bypass is in place, the contractor will purge the sink hole at the break area, evaluate the situation and repair the sewer main. After the break is repaired and tested, the bypass will be removed.
The County of Atlantic Engineering Department will then assess the roadway to make repairs to restore the comprised area. Until the temporary construction of the roadway is deemed safe, the detours around Wellington will remain in place, although additional modification to improve the flow of traffic may be possible as repairs advance.
Completion of the repair is anticipated within four weeks.
Update: Thursday, February 25
Repair Work
ACUA’s emergency contractor continues work to prepare the pit for the bypass connection on either side of the leak. Specialized equipment has been delivered to the contractor who will begin the installation of tapping saddles Friday morning. This is the final step to prepare for the installation and activation of the bypass which is anticipated to occur around midnight on Friday.
Addressing Flooding Issues
Four large Godwin pumps have been deployed and activated. The largest pump is located at the site of the break. Two additional pumps, which are movable, have been positioned to drain areas as needed.
Cleaning Efforts
Two Jet-Vac trucks were deployed to initiate cleanup on the affected streets and sidewalks. Residue was vacuumed up and then clean, pressurized water was used to wash the roadways and sidewalks. Streets completed today include Victoria, Surrey, Somerset, Oxford, and Dudley Avenue.
This same equipment will be used to clean the storm drain system along the southeast side of Wellington Avenue on Friday.
.png "Wellington clean up jet vac2")
Water Testing
Test results from water sampling conducted Tuesday at six locations showed an elevated level of bacteria exceeding acceptable thresholds in three of the six locations tested.
Following the activation of the bypass, subsequent testing will be performed to monitor water quality improvement.
As a precaution, the NJDEP’s notice of the suspension of shellfish harvesting from the Lakes Bay area remains in place until this area can be cleared as safe for shellfish harvesting.
Trash and Recycling
Residential collection of trash and recycling in Ventnor Heights has been moved from Wednesday, February 24, to Saturday, February 27.
Residents on the impacted area of Wellington Avenue (where traffic is prohibited) are advised to move their trash and recycling carts to the nearest side street for collection.
Update: Wednesday, February 24
Repair Work
ACUA’s emergency contractor has completed the excavation for the bypass line on the north side of the leak and continues work to excavate and prepare the pit for the bypass connection on the south side of the leak.
Piping has been fused and the site is being prepared for the installation and activation of a 660’ bypass line.
Tapping saddles are anticipated to be installed and the fused pipe connected Thursday, which would enable the activation of the bypass by Friday night.
Addressing Flooding Issues
Four large Godwin pumps were delivered Wednesday morning.
The largest pump is located at the site of the break.
Two additional pumps can be moved as needed, and another pump is on site as backup.
Pumping began around 1:30 p.m. Wednesday afternoon.
Pumps should not be necessary after the bypass is activated but will remain on site in case there is a need to drain water from the area.
Water Testing
Water sampling was conducted Tuesday at six locations selected by Atlantic County Department of Health and NJDEP.
Test results showed an elevated level of bacteria that exceeds the acceptable thresholds in three of the six locations sampled (see below).
Following the activation of the bypass, subsequent testing will be performed to monitor water quality improvement.
As a precaution, the NJDEP has issued a notice of suspension of shellfish harvesting from the Lakes Bay area until it can be assured that the waterways are safe for shellfish harvesting https://www.nj.gov/dep/wms/bmw/docs/publicnotice02232021.pdf
Trash and Recycling
Residential collection of trash and recycling in Ventnor Heights has been moved from Wednesday, February 24, to Saturday, February 27.
Residents on the impacted area of Wellington Avenue (where traffic is prohibited) are advised to move their trash and recycling carts to the nearest side street for collection.
Update: Tuesday, February 23
Repair Work
ACUA’s emergency contractor has been making progress on the excavation for the bypass line. The second location for the bypass connection has been determined and excavation is underway.
The length of the bypass will be approximately 660’.
By-pass piping is on site and is being fused together and preparations are being made to attach the fused pipe to the bypass line when the specialized tapping equipment is delivered.
The tapping saddles are anticipated to be installed and the fused pipe connected Thursday which would enable the activation of the by-pass by Friday night.
Addressing Flooding Issues
To relieve the flooding on Wellington Avenue and nearby side streets, ACUA’s contractor has ordered two large pumps and related piping to drain and move wastewater off the streets.
ACUA has received permission from the NJDEP to discharge this water into the bay.
This is a temporary measure and should not need to continue once the bypass line is in operation.
However, the pumps will remain on site should they be needed to drain water from the area.
This is a benefit to residents and helps the contractor as they proceed with repairs.
The pumps are scheduled to arrive by Tuesday night. After the piping arrives and is prepared, pumping could begin by Wednesday afternoon.
Water Testing
Water sampling was conducted Tuesday at six locations which were selected by the Atlantic County Department of Health and the NJDEP.
Test results are not back yet from the lab.
As a precaution, the NJDEP has issued a notice of suspension of shellfish harvesting from the Lakes Bay area until it can be assured that the waterways are safe for shellfish harvesting
Trash and Recycling
WEDNESDAY collections (trash and recycling) in VENTNOR HEIGHTS will be moved to SATURDAY.
Residents on the impacted area of Wellington Avenue (where traffic is prohibited) are advised to move their carts to the nearest side street for collection.
Traffic and Detours
Detours are in place to enable access to the Ventnor shopping plaza and Atlantic City. Vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic is prohibited in this area of Wellington Avenue.
.png "2.23 detour map")
Update: Monday, February 22
ACUA’s emergency contractor Lafayette Utilities is preparing the site for the installation of a bypass pipe which will stop the leak while repairs are made to the sewer main. Required parts have been ordered and will be arriving on site over the next few days. Lafayette is identifying two locations where excavation will be done to attach the bypass line on either side of the leak. When piping arrives onsite, it will be fused together and when the pipe taps are delivered and excavation is completed, the bypass can be put into place.
Until the bypass is completed, leakage will continue in the streets of the affected area. This may take 6 or 7 days.
Once the bypass is in place, this will stop the release of wastewater.
Please note that additional repair work will continue after the bypass is in place. Repairs may take up to four weeks for completion.
Detours will remain in place during the repairs.
There is no immediate health risk and this does not impact the safety of drinking water.
People are cautioned to avoid contact with the leaked wastewater.
Do not walk, bike or drive through the wastewater.
ACUA and the Health Department will be conducting water sampling in order to test water quality in the bay.
Additional updates will be posted here and shared on social media.
If you require additional information and need to speak to someone by phone:
Daytime (Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.): 609-272-6950
After business hours: 609-343-7753
Sunday, February 21:
Sunday afternoon, February 21, the Atlantic County Utilities Authority (ACUA) learned of a leak in a sewer pipe on Wellington Avenue in Ventnor. Wellington Avenue is closed between Dorset and Victoria Avenues, and will remain closed until repairs are completed. Detours are in place to enable access to the Ventnor shopping plaza and Atlantic City. Vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic is prohibited in this area of Wellington Avenue.
ACUA’s contractor in charge of the repair is on site to assess the situation and initiate repair work.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) was notified immediately and local health departments and the office of emergency management have been notified.
Water testing may be conducted as a precaution near the leak and if recreation activities in nearby waterways should be temporarily suspended, notification will be posted.
The sewer line break has no impact on the quality of drinking water. However, efforts to conserve water by the residents of Ventnor, Margate and Longport will minimize the amount of wastewater that would be conveyed through the area where the leak is located.