Current Events

Bloomfield Township Combined Sewer Rehabilitation Project

Bloomfield Township is using Oakland County Recovery Zone Bonds to rehabilitate sanitary sewers within the combined sewer areas of the Bloomfield Village, Oakland Hills Country Club, and Westchester subdivisions. First we will clean, televise and inspect them. Then we will implement a rehabilitation program to extend their life. Some of the sewers that are included in this project were originally constructed as early as the 1920s.

A majority of the sewer rehabilitation will be performed by no-dig technologies, in which equipment is inserted into the manholes and the sewer pipe rehabilitated from within. These practices include grouting joints or lining the sewer with a resin filled felt liner. A few areas will require the pipe to be dug up. Residents will be notified in advance of this work.

The contractor selected to perform the work is Liqui-Force Services, Inc. and the work is expected to be completed in the fall. Oakland County Water Resource Commissioner’s Office (WRC) is managing the project. Any questions or complaints regarding the project can be directed to their Construction Inspection Office at 248.858.1105. Additional questions can be directed to the Engineering & Environmental Services Department at 248.594.2800 or via e-mail.

Hickory Heights Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project

In 2010 Bloomfield Township applied for, and was awarded, a federal grant from Wayne County’s Rouge Program Office to rehabilitate sanitary sewers. The project area includes the Hickory Heights Subdivision and surrounding area between Adams and Squirrel roads and Long Lake to Wattles roads.

A majority of the sewer rehabilitation will be performed by no-dig technologies, in which equipment is inserted into the manholes and the sewer pipe rehabilitated from within. These practices include grouting joints or lining the sewer with a resin filled felt liner. A few areas will require the pipe to be replaced. Residents will be notified in advance of this work.

The contractor selected to perform the work is Lanzo Lining Services, Inc. and the work is expected to be completed in the fall. The Engineering & Environmental Services Department (EESD) is managing the project. Questions can be directed to the EESD at 248.594.2800 or send an e-mail.

How Do Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Projects Affect Residents?

Sewer rehabilitation projects are necessary to provide for and maintain the removal of sanitary wastes from residents’ homes and businesses. Like any infrastructure system, sanitary sewers have a limited life span. Fortunately, Bloomfield Township has implemented a regular maintenance program to identify any sewer issues as soon as possible.

During the sewer rehabilitation projects, residents may experience the following disruptions in regular services:

1. The contractor will notify residents via door hangers to minimize water use during the day of the sewer work. This includes not using dishwashers or washing machines and limiting shower use to before or after the work.

2. Most of the rehabilitation is conducted from within the sewer by accessing the sewer manholes. In some cases, the manholes are located within easements along rear and side yard property lines. Additionally, some manholes may be buried, and as part of the project will be raised to the surface. Any disruption to property will be restored at the completion of the project.

3. The contractor will use water from fire hydrants within the project areas. Hydrant use may cause water in area close to the hydrant to appear rust colored. This condition does not pose a health problem. If the water in your home appears rust colored, run the cold water for 15-20 minutes or until the water is clear. If the water does not clear within 20 minutes, contact the Bloomfield Township Public Works Department at 248-594-2800. If the rusty water affects laundry, commercial products for removing rust can be purchased at local stores. Typically, the products instruct that the clothing be re-washed using the product, and the rust will be removed.

4. Bypass pumping of sewage may be required during the rehabilitation work. This is accomplished by using above ground gas powered pumps. Once the rehabilitation work is completed, the bypass pumping will be removed.

Additional questions can be directed to the Engineering & Environmental Services Department at 248.594.2800 or send an e-mail.