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Onondaga County is advancing a key infrastructure project to support smart growth and environmental protection in the Town of Clay. The White Pine Municipal Pump Station and Force Mains Project will bring municipal sewer service to currently unsewered areas targeted for economic development, including residential, commercial, and industrial uses. The project, led by the Onondaga County Department of Water Environment Protection (WEP), involves construction of a new pump station and approximately 3.9 miles (20,400 feet) of underground pipeline — known as force mains — that will carry wastewater to the Oak Orchard Wastewater Treatment Plant for proper treatment and discharge.
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Pump Station
Located near the intersection of Caughdenoy Road and State Route 31, the facility will feature dual wet wells, submersible pumps, odor and chemical control systems, and an emergency generator.
Force Mains
Two parallel pipelines (10-inch and 18-inch diameters) will provide flexible, phased service as the area develops.
- The force mains will travel north along Caughdenoy Road, cross under the CSX Railroad and National Grid property, continue north on Van Hoesen Road, and turn west on Verplank Road.
- The pipelines will then follow a County-owned easement into the Oak Orchard Wastewater Treatment Plant, located near the Oneida River.
Construction Period
March 2025 through September 2026
Estimated Cost
$36.4 million
Includes construction, electrical, site work, and contingency
White Pine Project Maps
• Project Overview Map
• Traffic Detour Map
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Environmental Protections
The route was carefully selected to minimize impacts to wetlands, regulated habitats, and existing infrastructure. The system includes air release valves andcleanout access points to ensure long-term reliability.
Growth-Ready Infrastructure
Designed to accommodate phased growth over 20 years, the system can initially serve early developments and scale up without major modifications.
This project will enhance wastewater management capacity, support job creation and economic vitality, and protect local waterways by ensuring that new development is served by modern, environmentally sound infrastructure.
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Caughdenoy Road North to reopen by mid-June
WEP estimates 2 to 3 weeks before we will be able to reopen Caughdenoy Road. We estimate piping north of Route 31 will be done in the next week, which will allow traffic to turn from Route 31 on to Caughdenoy heading north, alleviating some of the disruption. |
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Start installation of sewer section
Along Caughdenoy Road around State Route 31; Expected duration 4 to 6 weeks
State Route 31
• Open as normal
Verplank Road
• Open, Single Lane
There will be construction crews all summer long on Verplank Road between Morgan Road and Van Hoesen. Traffic will be reduced to single lane to get around equipment. We will have flagmen with radios and temporary traffic lights set up. |
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• Closed to ALL vehicles on either side of Route 31
South of Route 31 / Closed .06 miles (100 yards)
Driving Northeast on Caughdenoy Rd, continue onto Maple Road, turn either left or right on Grange Road to access Route 31 - Google Directions from South
North of Route 31 / Closed .25 miles (440 yards)
Driving South on Caughdenoy Rd, turn right onto Verplank Road, then left on Van Hoesen Road to access Route 31 - Google Directions from North |
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White Pine Groundbreaking Ceremony
| WEP Commissioner Shannon Harty was joined by County Executive Ryan McMahon and other local leaders to ceremoniously break ground on a new pump station in the Town of Clay, an important milestone in the ongoing expansion of Onondaga County’s public wastewater infrastructure, bringing enhanced service and sustainability to surrounding communities. |
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Capital Project FAQs
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Why is this project necessary?
The area targeted for development in the Town of Clay is currently unsewered. This project provides essential wastewater infrastructure to support projected residential, commercial, and industrial growth.
What is the capacity of the system?
The system is designed to handle peak hourly flows of up to 5.5 million gallons per day, with flexibility to phase capacity in line with development.
When will construction begin and how long will it last?
Construction began in Spring 2025 and is expected to be completed by Fall 2026. Construction of the force mains will occur in phases within that period and work with largely be complete by the end of 2025. The remainder of the construction work will be at the pump station location.
Who is paying for this project?
The project is funded by Onondaga County Department of Water Environment Protection through by capital improvement funding and revenue from sewer user fees. No special assessments to residents is needed.
What steps are being taken to protect the environment?
The route was selected to minimize impacts on wetlands, protected species, and regulated areas. Environmental permitting is being coordinated with NYSDEC and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Odor control and chemical feed systems will ensure the facility operates cleanly.
Who will operate and maintain the new system?
The Onondaga County Department of Water Environment Protection will own, operate, and maintain the pump station and force main system. |
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Where will the new pump station be located?
The pump station will be constructed near the intersection of Caughdenoy Road and NYS Route 31, strategically located to serve existing and future development.
Will there be road closures or construction impacts?
Yes, temporary lane closures and construction activity can be expected along Caughdenoy Road, Van Hoesen Road, and Verplank Road.
How will the pipeline (force main) affect my property?
The force main will primarily run within existing or County-acquired easements and rights-of-way. Property owners along the route will be contacted if any work requires temporary access or easement negotiation.
Will this project raise my sewer or property taxes?
This project is part of the County’s long-term infrastructure planning and is funded through existing sources.
Will the new sewer system serve existing homes?
The initial focus is on enabling new development, but over time, nearby existing homes and businesses may have the opportunity to connect to the new sewer system if feasible and cost-effective.
How will odors be managed at the pump station?
The station will include advanced carbon canister odor control and chemical injection systems to neutralize odors at the source and within the force mains.
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Construction Phase FAQs
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When will construction start and how long will it last?
Construction is anticipated to begin in March 2025 and be completed by September 2026, depending on weather and permitting.
What hours will construction occur?
Construction will typically occur Monday through Saturday, 7 AM – 5 PM. Any extended-hour work will be communicated in advance.
Where will construction take place first?
Initial work will begin near the proposed pump station site at Caughdenoy Road and NYS Route 31, then progress along the force main route northward and west along Van Hoesen Road and Verplank Road.
How will noise and dust be managed?
Contractors are required to follow County regulations to control dust, noise, and vibration, including the use of water trucks and noise-reducing equipment where applicable.
Will there be blasting or rock removal?
Yes, rock excavation may be required in certain sections of the route. If blasting is necessary, affected residents will be notified in advance and proper safety measures will be followed. |
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Will my road be closed during construction?
There may be temporary lane closures or detours on Caughdenoy, Van Hoesen, and Verplank Roads. Full road closures are not anticipated. Signage and detour information will be provided in advance.
Will my driveway or property access be affected?
If your property lies along the pipeline route, there may be temporary access limitations, which will be coordinated in advance. Contractors will restore access as quickly as possible.
How will my property be restored after construction?
All disturbed areas, including lawns, driveways, and rights-of-way, will be restored to pre-construction conditions or better. Final restoration may occur after initial utility installation is complete and weather permits.
What if construction damages something on my property?
The County’s contractor is responsible for any damage caused by construction. A field inspector will be available to document and resolve complaints.
Contact WEP with any further questions or concerns during construction
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Understanding Force Mains
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What is a force main?
A force main is a pressurized pipeline used to transport wastewater from a pump station to a treatment plant or another point in the sewer system. Unlike gravity sewers that rely on sloped pipes, force mains use pumps to move sewage uphill, over long distances, or through flat terrain.
How do force mains work?
Wastewater flows by gravity into the pump station’s wet wells. From there, submersible pumps pressurize the flow and send it through the force mains (two pipelines: 10-inch and 18-inch diameters) toward the treatment plant. The pumps turn on and off as needed based on flow levels.
Is there a risk of backups or overflows with force mains?
Force mains are closed and pressurized, which significantly reduces the risk of backups. The design includes dual pipelines, backup pumps, air release valves, and cleanout structures to ensure continued operation even under variable conditions or maintenance events.
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Why are force mains needed for this project?
The project area is relatively flat and currently lacks a natural downhill path to a treatment facility. The force main system allows wastewater to be moved efficiently and reliably from new development areas to the Oak Orchard Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Will the force main affect my home or property?
In most cases, no. The force main runs along public rights-of-way or County easements, not through private yards. If your property is near the route, the County will communicate directly with you about any short-term construction access needs.
Will the force main create odors or noise?
The system includes odor control features such as carbon canisters and chemical injection to minimize any potential odors. Because it is a closed system, force mains typically generate no detectable noise for nearby residents.
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