The Pleasant Prairie Village Board approved a professional service agreement with Cedar Corporation on Monday, October 9, 2023, addressing infrastructure challenges in the Cooper Road basin, located north of 85th Street and south of 76th Street. The area faces recurring issues due to excessive inflow and infiltration (I&I) in the existing sanitary sewer system. This problem has led to frequent sewer backups, primarily between 81st Street and 82nd Street along Cooper Road.
To combat I&I, efforts were made, including lining the existing clay sewer mains in the basin, installing lateral linings at main connections, and conducting home inspections to eliminate connections, such as foundation drains and sump pumps. While these measures have reduced annual flow rates, capacity problems persist.
To reduce bypass pumping and enhance property protection, the Village proposes relaying the existing 10-inch clay sanitary sewer on Cooper Road, from 80th Street to 800 feet south of 76th Street. This project will increase sewer capacity, lower surcharge elevation, and remove pipe sags that collect debris. The lowered pipe elevation will also facilitate future extensions for better backup protection.
The Public Works Department will continue efforts to decrease I&I. The agreement with Cedar Corporation initiates the sewer relay project's design phase, including bid document development. After design and permitting, the project will undergo public bidding. Construction is planned for 2024, with an estimated cost of $700,000, which is included in the Capital Improvement Plan.
"We recognize the ongoing issue of sewer backups in the Cooper Road area," explained Matt Fineour, Executive Director of Infrastructure Management. "This initiative aims to help the issue, aligning with Pleasant Prairie's mission to promote and preserve investment in our community."