MetroConnects (Metro) announced this week that the main line construction phase of the full-scale rehabilitation of the Piedmont Sewer System is almost complete. This is the first phase in a two phase project to replace an aging and badly deteriorated sewer system. “The continued support and patience of the Piedmont community has allowed this project to maintain such a vigorous schedule,” a spokesperson for Metro said.
Construction on the project began in January 2012 after Metro was able to secure $7.9 million of necessary funding from the South Carolina Clean Water State’s Revolving Fund (CWSRF). The funding was made possible after satisfying requirements and acquiring right-of-way permissions from approximately 200 property owners.
Phase I construction has consisted of replacing 58,993 feet, just over 11 miles, of main line gravity sewer. Metro will conclude Phase I by the end of the summer for both Greenville County and Anderson County residents. The resurfacing of the streets on the Greenville County side of the project is included in Metro’s scope of work and will be completed by the end of summer as well. Anderson County road resurfacing is not included in Metro’s scope of work.
Phase II will consist of the reconnection of some residences from the existing system to the new, relocated system. Property owners whose service requires rerouting during this phase will be contacted by Metro staff or an engineering contractor prior to any work starting. This final phase is anticipated to be complete by late 2015 with total project completion set for December 2015.
The process of changing infrastructure ownership and operation and maintenance responsibilities along with total reconstruction of a project of this size can be long lasting. The residents of Piedmont have shown their community spirit by being both helpful and patient as this project progressed from the initial planning and development stages, to construction, and has now officially passed the half-way mark. Piedmont residents can look forward to a newly improved sewer system that will not only provide the highest quality in wastewater collection but will have a positive environmental impact for generations to come.
MetroConnects (Metro) is a special purpose district created by the state legislature in 1968 to operate and maintain sanitary sewer facilities. Today, Metro serves approximately 60,000 taxpayers with more than 620 miles of sanitary sewer collector lines and is governed by a five member board of commissioners.
This collection system transports wastewater from area homes and businesses to ReWa’s trunk lines and 8 major wastewater treatment plants. Metro’s 168-square mile service area stretches from northern Greenville County in the Travelers Rest area to the southern portions of the county, from Pelham and Woodruff Roads to Laurens County and southwest to Piedmont in Anderson and Greenville County.
