N.Y. Sewer Project Turns to Microtunneling

A remote-operated boring machine will be used to excavate through bedrock as part of a wastewater and stormwater project in Newburgh, New York.

Microtunneling will allow for precise alignment of the sewer over a long distance and avoids the disturbance of streets and residents. The process is part of the ongoing construction to implement Newburgh’s long-term control plan in partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to upgrade the city’s combined sewer and stormwater system, according to the office of Governor Kathy Hochul.

The project received more than $6.1 million in federal Infrastructure Law funds, and New York State is contributing more than $21 million in state grants and interest-free financing. The construction of new, larger sewer pipes and other crucial upgrades are designed to strengthen the city’s ability to withstand high water events and reduce pollution in the Hudson River.

The North Interceptor Improvement Project includes the installation of approximately 8,700 linear feet of new larger gravity sanitary sewer piping to increase system capacity and reduce pollution discharged to the Hudson River. This will be accomplished by diverting more flows to the city’s treatment plant during wet weather flow events. Microtunneling will be used for a 2,000-foot-long portion of the new piping.

Source: Office of Governor Hochul