Understanding Muskingum County’s Sewer Challenges
Muskingum County, located east of Columbus, Ohio, was established in 1804. Home of Zanesville, the state’s capital from 1810-1812, the county is renowned for its historical landmarks and cultural significance. However, beneath the picturesque landscape lies an aging sewer system susceptible to hydrogen sulfide (H2S)and microbial-induced corrosion (MIC).
These corrosive gasses significantly impact the integrity of sewer infrastructure by eating away at concrete manhole structures or the mortar joints of brick manholes, causing considerable deterioration if left untreated. And that was exactly what was happening in the decades-old sewer system in Muskingum County.
Cost-effective Solutions for Manhole Rehabilitation and More
Stan Lucas, sewer department manager at Muskingum County Sewer, was in search of a cost-effective option for rehabilitating the county’s lift station, wet well and manholes when he heard about Advanced Rehabilitation Technology (ART) from a neighboring county.
ART, a certified OBIC installer, specializes in underground infrastructure repair and maintenance. Using environmentally-friendly, spray-in-place coating systems, we can rehabilitate aging water, wastewater and industrial structures with minimal disruption to service. According to Stan, this is exactly what the county needed to correct and prevent future damage caused by hydrogen sulfide corrosion in the sewer system. “In situations like this, it is more cost-effective to rehab rather than replace the structures.”
Fortunately, rehabilitating aging wastewater structures with ART is not only more cost-effective, it is also long-lasting. Once complete, the rehabilitated structures would have a life expectancy of 50 years or longer.
How to Stop Hydrogen Sulfide Corrosion
Hydrogen sulfide gas, also known as H2S, is commonly found in wastewater collection systems. Places like Muskingum County’s lift station and wet well are perfect environments for this caustic gas to form and begin attacking the calcium carbonate constituents of the concrete structures. Eventually, this will cause inflow and infiltration issues and begin impacting structural integrity.
Using the OBIC Armor system, which can be applied in relatively thick layers, ensuring a robust protective barrier and effectively sealing cracks and defects in the manhole. Since it’s impervious to H2S, it can protect manholes from the harsh and corrosive elements found in wastewater systems. “The relining process not only stopped H2S from further damaging the structures,” said Stan, “it also added integrity to the structure.”
When asked about his overall experience with ART, Stan had this to say. “It has been a great experience working with ART. They can reline sewer structures cost-effectively in less time than replacement without having to reclaim at the end of the project.”
Long-term Benefits of Sewer Rehabilitation
With the lift station, wet well and manhole rehabilitation complete, these structures are once again operating at peak efficiency. Although they may never be seen on a historical tour of Muskingum County, they will continue to be an integral part of the community for the next several decades. Although these systems remain out of sight, their enhanced durability and performance are critical to the county’s health and safety.
ART is an OBIC-certified installer and can offer high-quality, cost-effective alternatives to the replacement of underground infrastructure. For more information, or to schedule a free, customized product demonstration, call 419-636-2684.
