Sewer separation: West Brighton Avenue area

Workers inspect newly seeded ground on Hunt Avenue, August 2003

Workers inspect newly seeded ground on Hunt Avenue, August 2003

Construction work to separate combined sewers near West Brighton Avenue began in April 2003 and ended in the summer of 2003. The project eliminated the untreated overflows of combined sewage to Onondaga Creek from two points (combined sewer overflows 053 and 054).

This project improved water quality to Onondaga Creek and has creating a more pleasant environment for the neighborhood because of the elimination of the combined sewer overflow points.

The work involved about eight blocks on the City's south side and about 100 houses (West Brighton between South and Hunt, Marguerite, Hunt between Lafayette and Marguerite, and Bishop). The existing combined sewers were converted to stormwater drains. New sanitary sewers now carry sanitary sewage to the Metropolitan Syracuse Wastewater Treatment Plant. Sewer laterals from the street to the curb line were replaced. This is what has been installed:

2445 feet of sewer main
1470 feet of house laterals
8 new manhole structures.

In addition, lead water lines that were disturbed were replaced with copper pipes. National Grid installed a new gas main. The affected streets were resurfaced, and disturbed lawns and sidewalks were restored.

Condition of street, sidewalk, and boulevard strip in July 2003 After restoration: new water service (lower right) and new sewer vents along a freshly seeded boulevard strip

Work coordination

Onondaga County officials held progress meetings every two weeks to coordinate the project. Representatives from the City School District transportation office, National Grid, City DPW, City Water, the County's construction contractor, and County personnel took part in the meetings.

On October 22, 2002, the County held an information meeting for residents of the area at Elmwood School. The parties involved in the project were available to meet informally with anyone who had questions about the sewer separation project.

Brighton Avenue at South Avenue: newly paved and painted, August 2003

Brighton Avenue at South Avenue: newly paved and painted, August 2003

The lower area shaded green highlights the blocks where sewer separation took place.

The lower area shaded green highlights the blocks where sewer separation took place.