Workers Installing Liners In Sewer Pipes – No Digging Required

A big project is under way in Baker City but you’ll never see the results.

That’s the idea, anyway.

Crews from PEC Corporation of Helena, Montana, are installing liners in sewer and stormwater lines in several places in town.

The liner, which is made from a resin-impregnated felt, helps to prevent roots from punching into pipes, which can cause leaks as well as allow groundwater to seep into the pipes, said Tom Fisk, operations supervisor for the city’s public works department.

The liner can also plug existing leaks.

Baker City has used the process, known as “cured in place pipe lining,” since 2008 on sewer and stormwater lines, Fisk said.

One of its major advantages is that workers don’t have to dig up streets to get at the pipes. Instead, as the name of the process implies, the liner is basically injected into the pipe from one access point.

PEC crews will be lining almost one mile of pipe. The work started last week and should be finished by this Friday, said Joyce Bornstedt, technical administrative supervisor for the public works department.

PEC was the low bidder for the work, at $153,425.

See more in Monday’s issue of the Baker City Herald.