update Sewer pipe break -E Hartsdale Ave

The Greenburgh Town Board had an informative meeting to discuss the sewer pipe break that is impacting E. Hartsdale Ave since last week. You can watch here: https://youtu.be/PtEWOniJPvI

I contacted the County Health Department after residents complained to me about odors from the sewer repairs. The Deputy Commissioner Christopher Ericson sent inspectors out and did not observe any health-related issues while they were there. The report is below.

I will keep the community updated during the repair process. As mentioned at the Board work session we currently don’t have an estimate for the repair completion. We should –in my personal opinion– assume this could take weeks, possibly even a few months to repair. As soon as I get a timetable that is accurate I will get back to you. The Board will continue to provide updates during our televised work sessions.

Feel free to call me on my cell: 914-438-1343 anytime or if you have suggestions as to how we can be more transparent and responsive to the E. Hartsdale Ave community, and we thank you for your patience and understanding.

Paul Feiner, Town Supervisor

Enc.

From: Smith, Matt

Sent: Wednesday, June 5, 2024 1:09 PM

To: Ericson, Christopher

Cc: Thein, Zaw

Subject: 120 E. Hartsdale Ave., Hartsdale (Greenburgh) - Sewer Repair

Chris,

In response to complaint of a sewage back up received on 6/3/24, inspections by WCDOH field staff were conducted on 6/3/24 and 6/4/24. At time of inspections no sewage discharge was observed. An emergency sewer bypass was observed in use, due to possible collapse of 16 “ Greenburgh municipal sanitary sewer located in sidewalk on westside of E. Hartsdale Ave, Hartsdale in front of above noted address. According to contractor on site a minimal amount of sewage was discharged while bypass was being installed. Contractor was advised that all steps must be taken to prevent any further discharge and any affected area should be cleaned and disinfected. Follow up call with Andy Donnelly of Greenburgh Supt. of Sewer and Water confirmed that this is indeed a Greenburgh municipal sanitary sewer. The sewer in question is a 16” line located approximately a 40’ deep. Currently, contractor is excavating to uncover pipe and assess the damage. Multiple utilities are located above pipe so excavation is slow going and may require the relocation of water and gas mains. All approval that may be needed from WCDOH will be expedited for emergency repairs.

Matt

Matthew W. Smith, M.S.

Associate Sanitarian

Westchester County Health Department

Environmental Health Services

________________________________________

SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION AT WORK SESSION:

The Greenburgh Town Board on June 4 discussed, with Public Works Commissioner Rich Fon and Building Department Inspector Frank Morabito, the massive repair work occurring at 100 E. Hartsdale after a sewer line break late last week. The break occurred at the location that Con Ed had been working at -they have been doing underground gas work in recent weeks/months on E Hartsdale Ave.

On Friday -after the break-, it was a “full court press” with emergency responders from both the Fire and Police departments at the scene all day, along with the Building, Engineering, Attorney departments and a representative from the Town Board. Everyone involved stressed how major this job is, and they can’t begin fixing it until they get the area clear enough to investigate first. It’s a major undertaking that is considerably expensive and inconvenient, said Councilmember Francis Sheehan.

The main message is to expect delays if you are driving from Central Ave to the train station and shopping areas on E Hartsdale Ave. For people who do live at 100 E. Hartsdale, they advised that though entrances are blocked, emergency responders have access should they need to get into someone in need. There have been sewage smells reported by residents, but the County Health Dept visited and assured us that there is no safety issue.

The work however is dangerous and every precaution must be taken to ensure the safety of all with sewage gas involved. The lines in some cases are nearly 100 years old, made of terracotta that degrades over time, with added pressure from so much development and climate change increasing rainfall. Water keeps coming through despite a bypass line set up, so the flow must be stopped first in order for them to be able to lower a camera down and see where the problem is. It’s a complicated job in the middle of a busy road, surrounded by big buildings, and running a line uphill to try to bypass an entire building that is still fully operational.

“We are putting a tremendous effort to try to solve the problem,” said DPW Commissioner Rich Fon.

The board promised regular updates at upcoming work sessions and that they were giving this their top priority. “We’re very sensitive to residents and we need to make sure this gets done right,” said Fon.

There is no timeline yet on the repair. But it could take months.