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| As part of an aggressive evaluation and rehabilitation program for Colorado Springs Utilities’ wastewater system, employees are seeking opportunities to decommission wastewater pipes that cross local creeks to save money and to protect the environment. By decommissioning just a small handful of these pipes, Springs Utilities can potentially save ratepayers millions of dollars in replacement and maintenance costs, and reduce the risk for future wastewater spills caused by flash flooding. For each abandoned pipe, Springs Utilities can save on average between $25,000 to $125,000 for temporary stabilization efforts, and between an estimated $500,000 and $1 million in long-term replacement costs for each pipe. Springs Utilities owns and operates the largest wastewater collection and treatment system under a single permit in Colorado with more than 1,500 miles of pipe. Due to the topography of Colorado Springs, Springs Utilities’ wastewater pipes cross creeks and drainage ways at more than 350 locations, which can put the system at risk during major rain storms and flash floods. Despite these unique challenges, Springs Utilities’ spills per 100 miles of pipe are among the lowest in the nation.
Springs Utilities has become a leader in the state in investments in its wastewater system. The evaluation and rehabilitation program that is identifying pipes for abandonment is but a small part of an overall commitment to operating a secure wastewater system. From 2000 to 2006, the organization invested nearly $70 million in its collection system, with another $25 million targeted for this year. Additionally, Springs Utilities recently completed construction on the $10.5 million Fountain Creek Recovery Project, the only spill recovery facility of its kind in the state to help protect the environment and downstream neighbors from spills.
Media Contact: 719-668-3848 |
