The Mt. Laurel Township Municipal Utilities Authority recently completed the replacement of over 1,850 feet of sanitary sewer force main and installation of 1,300 feet of water main in the Hunters Crossing development. Cost of the Mt. Laurel project was approximately $550,000.
MUA Chairman Chris Smith said, “This is one of the many projects which are part of the MUA’s plan to renew and improve infrastructure within Mt. Laurel Township.”
The plan calls for mains that were installed decades ago to be replaced throughout the town as necessary as they reach the end of their useful life.
MUA executive director Pam Carolan said “Life expectancy of buried pipes can vary considerably depending on many conditions such as acidic soils or build-up of iron.”
The pipes in Hunters Crossing service over 150 homes and were originally installed in the 1970s. A large amount of ground water was entering the sewer system, either through loose pipe joints or via illegal sump pump connections.
“A large buildup of iron in the sewer pipes affected the ability of the MUA’s nearby pump station to properly function and required routine hauling of sewage by trucks,” Carolan said.
Trucking ceased when the sewer main was placed in service. The new water main will provide a second source of water supply to the neighborhood thereby reducing service interruptions.
“Another benefit is that water service is now available to homes which are serviced by privately owned wells,” Smith said.
The MUA also repaved Country Lane as part of the project.
