BAY VILLAGE, Ohio - Bay Village has contracted with Duke’s Root Control, Inc. to conduct sewer testing in six initial areas in the city.
“These areas were selected based on historical reporting, the recent surveys and areas covered by the Ohio EPA work with the Rocky River Wastewater Treatment Plan,” as noted in the city’s information.
The overall project consists of three phases:
1. Public sewer collection system smoke testing
2. Public sewer collection system dye testing
3. Dye testing on the private sewer collection system
The first two phases have begun for the six areas being tested this year, according to the city. “The public sewer collection system dye testing is in progress and is slated to be completed this fall. The public sewer collection system smoke testing has been completed for 2024.”
As testing continues, “The data collected by Duke’s is being analyzed by the city’s consulting engineer, Chagrin Valley Engineering (CVE), to make recommendations for improvements to the sanitary and storm lines in the public right of way and to identify where additional testing is recommended on private property.”
Once CVE reviews the data, the city notes, “the City of Bay Village Building Department will notify residents by mail if results indicate sewer improvements are necessary.
“Based on this review, a third phase of testing will be performed on a smaller number of homes in the initial test areas. The goal is to provide homeowners with a better understanding of their system. Testing may identify deficiencies with systems that could cause issues during heavy rain events. The city will notify homeowners by mail in advance of testing if they are included in a third phase.
“For dye testing on the private sewer collection system, Duke’s will introduce dyed water into all accessible downspouts, yard/driveway drains, and sump pumps if present on the property to create rainfall simulation.
“Duke’s will notify affected residents with flyers and door hangers a minimum of 48 hours prior to testing. Testing began in July.
“Duke’s Root Control will be performing private property dye testing as part of the ‘Bay Village Sewer Mainline Smoke & Dye Testing’ project. These properties have been identified as needing private property dye testing because of the smoke testing performed (this year).
“The private property dye testing will be conducted during normal working hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The testing will involve placing dyed water into the downspouts and drains on the property. The resident does not need to be present during the testing.
“Duke’s employees will always be wearing high visibility vests and ID badges. If the dye testing determines that home entry is needed, Duke’s will coordinate with the homeowner to schedule an appointment. At that time, an adult over the age of 18 will need to be present during the inspection.”
Residents may contact Ryan Lake with Duke’s Root Control with any questions/concerns: [email protected] or call (248) 938-6533.
“Project activities are scheduled to occur (overall) between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. All staff and equipment are clearly marked with a Duke’s logo.”
Some testing is expected to occur during the remainder of 2024.
Data from all tests conducted by Duke’s will be submitted to the city engineer for analysis and review as noted.
“Results of the public testing phases of this project will be utilized to develop further collection system improvement projects to reduce flooding events,” city information notes. “Results that require resident follow up and or correction will be communicated directly to the resident by the Bay Village Building Department.”