Problem: For decades, sewer spillovers in Fulton County, Georgia, introduced over 30 million gallons per year of pollution into the Chattahoochee River. Sewer overflows caused by inflow and infiltration led to EPA fines, high treatment costs, increased lift station operation, unnecessary rain guards and over-capacity at plants designed for high rainwater events.
Solution: Completely watertight submerged composite manhole covers made by Composite Access Products (CAP) were credited as a major reason for this success. The composite process reduces part-to-part dimensional variation compared to iron casting. Reduced variation allows for a closely mated cover-frame fit. Secondly, dimensional precision and repeatability ensure that bolt holes are aligned and completely secure the cover to the frame, sufficiently squeezing the gaskets. Because composites resist corrosion, assemblies can be designed with smaller gaps, cover/frame degradation will not hamper fasteners, and corrosion holes are avoided.
Result: Under the leadership of Roy Barnes, Deputy Director of Public Works, the county sealed their system and annual sewer spills have been eliminated. As a bonus, pump run times decreased 50%. Annual electric bills, maintenance and replacement cost reductions for decreased pump run times are estimated in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Chemical treatment costs will also drop at a similar factor with reduced treatment volumes. 844-344-2271; www.justcapthat.com
