CARLSBAD — The City of Carlsbad has identified and begun the process of repairing a section of sewer pipe in the western part of the city.
During a routine inspection of the North Batiquitos Interceptor Sewer in the Ponto Beach area on April 14, a city consultant identified a partial collapse in a 27-inch-diameter vitrified clay pipe, according to city documents.
To expedite the repair process, City Manager Geoff Patnoe declared a local emergency on April 30 that will remain in place until the May 12 City Council meeting.
Because the damaged pipe was identified during a routine inspection, repair work is expected to have no impact on sewer or water services, including no leaking sewage.
“This is an example of why we invest in regular inspections and ongoing maintenance throughout the City of Carlsbad,” Patnoe said in a statement. “As infrastructure ages, unforeseen repair needs could arise from time to time.”
Both the pipe and the repair area are located near the intersection of Poinsettia Lane and Avenida Encinas in a rail corridor area and within a protected habitat that includes sensitive species.
“The city is working closely with partner agencies and environmental specialists to ensure all work is completed safely and with minimal impact to the surrounding area,” the city said in a release.
Construction will include temporarily rerouting sewer flows to remove and repair the partially collapsed pipe. The work is expected to begin this week and take approximately two weeks to complete.
