Ongoing Progress on Sewer System Improvements

Ongoing Progress on Sewer System Improvements

The City continues to make steady progress in addressing the inflow and infiltration issues that contributed to three sewer spills during the summer months.

Earlier inspections revealed that several raised manholes along Jones Avenue had begun to deteriorate, leading to both surface spills and concrete obstructions within the sewer lines that restricted flow. Two weeks ago, City crews successfully cleared the debris and repaired the manholes at Jones and 2nd, Jones and 3rd, 807 Jones, and 209 Jones with a two-inch-thick layer of hydraulic cement.

Last week, contractors applied a Raven 410 epoxy coating to seal the new cement layer, ensuring the manholes are now watertight. City Engineer Pete Gulbronson is currently reviewing hours of inspection footage from the sewer lines as part of ongoing efforts to develop a long-term plan to address infiltration challenges in partnership with engineering consultants.

In addition, City staff are scheduled to meet this Wednesday with representatives from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) to discuss Tybee’s water and sewer infrastructure priorities and potential eligibility for the newly established Hurricane Helene Resilience Fund. This one-time funding opportunity, available to communities in counties declared disaster areas by Hurricane Helene—including Chatham County—offers partial loan forgiveness for projects that strengthen the resilience of publicly owned drinking water and wastewater systems.