A sinkhole approximately 10 feet deep and 5 feet wide has appeared at an Uptown Minneapolis intersection due to the collapse of a clay sewer pipe dating back to 1903. Officials attribute the collapse to the pipe's age and this year's frequent freeze-thaw cycles and rapid snowmelt, according to the Star Tribune.
The city's general foreman of sewer construction has announced plans for a temporary bypass, the installation of a new PVC pipe and street repairs by April 21. In the meantime, vacuum trucks have been employed to collect wastewater, allowing residents in the area to continue using their toilets.
Construction Supervisor Faces Charges in Canada WWTP Drowning
A trial has commenced in Burton, New Brunswick, for a construction company supervisor accused of criminal negligence in the 2018 drowning death of an 18-year-old. The incident occurred during a construction project at Fredericton's main wastewater treatment plant, with the construction company also facing charges.
The teen’s death took place at the site of an unfinished secondary clarifier. The supervisor has pleaded not guilty as of the trial’s opening.
Florida to Receive Largest Share of EPA's Lead Pipe Funding
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Florida will receive over $376 million in fiscal 2023 for drinking water upgrades, with nearly $255 million allocated to replace lead pipes throughout the state. This funding, half of which comes from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, has granted Florida the largest subsidy for pipe replacement among all states, following an updated survey formula.
The EPA's survey revealed that Florida has 1.16 million lead pipes, accounting for 13% of the nation's total and surpassing all other states. Associated Press reports that the figure came as a surprise to the National Resources Defense Council, which had previously estimated only 200,000 lead pipes in Florida.
Illinois American Water Agrees to Purchase WWTP in Granite City
Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, has announced an agreement to purchase the assets of the wastewater treatment plant in Granite City. The City Council approved the Asset Purchase Agreement April 5 at its council meeting.
The sale would bring approximately 26,000 new wastewater treatment customer connections to Illinois American Water, including approximately 10,500 direct and an additional 15,500 indirect customers in surrounding communities.
