Aquarion to Replace Aging Water Lines in Glenville [Update]

Update 3:30 p.m.:

Aquarion has released an explanation of its replacement of water lines in the Glenville area of Greenwich. Please attached document as released Friday afternoon by Aquarion.

Original story:

Aging iron pipes used by Aquarion Water Co. to supply customers in Glenville will be replaced in what is expected to be a monthlong project.

According to Greenwich First Selectman Peter Tesei, the water utility is working on plans to replace about 500 feet of 1930s-era iron pipe along Riversville Road, starting at the intersection with Glenville Road, and continuing north to the area of Glenville School.

The project comes on the heels of two major water main breaks in less than two weeks. The first - on July 28 washed out the Glenville - Riversville intersection, closing it to all traffic for more than a day; a smaller break on Riversville Road also occurred that day. The main failed again on Aug. 6, leaving about 50 customers without water for about 8 hours. The cause of the original break hasn't been determined but utility officials have said the second main failure is believed to have been caused by the settling of dirt around the replacement pipe.

Tesei said Greenwich Department of Public Works Commissioner Amy Siebert is overseeing the project that Aquarion officials estimate will take 29 days. "DPW is coordinating with them, a shortened site work schedule to reduce the interruptions businesses, the school and residences," Tesei said. One lane of traffic will remain open throughout the project which Aquarion presented Thursday to Tesei, Siebert, Fire Chief Peter Siecienski and Highway Superintendent Joseph Roberto.

According to Tesei, Aquarion has put the project on a fast track and plans to have its construction contractor conduct some of the work during overnight hours to minimize the impact on commercial and residential customers as well as the nearby Glenville School, as well as traffic. Waivers allowing the overnight work must be approved by the town's health department, Tesei said.

Work will begin as soon as all approvals are granted.

Tesei said he was pleased the utility has committed to the pipe replacement plan that will have ductile iron mains installed through the Glenville intersection, connecting to ductile iron mains installed in 2006 on Glenville road in both directions leading to the new pump station recently completed at the intersection of Glenville Road and Glenville Street.

Aquarion estimated it will cost about $370 per foot to replace the old iron pipe, according to Tesei.

An Aquarion spokeswoman said the utility's engineers would release project information on Friday.