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Collection and Transmission
Gravity Sewer and Force Mains
GSWSA owns over 900 miles of combined gravity sewer and force mains. The gravity sewer is primarily a conventional gravity system except for the small diameter sewers with settling tanks serving Longs, Bucksport, Burgess Communities, and the residential pump stations and pressure systems serving the rural communities. Gravity sewer flows to pumping stations connected through pressure transmission mains to treatment plants.
Testing
Crews test the gravity sewer lines for damage, by blowing artificial smoke into the gravity sewer lines. Tests are performed at least bi-annually and help locate sources of ground water infiltration and storm water inflow. Elimination of these sources maintains a capacity and reliability of the gravity system. A record of video inspections of the interior of the gravity sewer lines is also maintained and assists in located damage that does not show up during the smoke test.
Types
Pumping stations are grouped as shown below:
| Pumping Station Types |
| Residential |
Subdivision |
Regional |
| Pumping stations that serve only one or two customers. |
Subdivision pump stations each having a 5 or 6 foot wet well, two pumps, and associated gravity sewer generally designed to serve a small area consisting of one subdivision. A few serve more than one subdivision, serve adjacent properties, or serve only part of a larger subdivision. |
Regional stations receive sewer from one or more subdivision pump stations. Many receive sewer from only one or two other pump stations. However, several regional re-pumping stations serve much larger areas. |
Monitoring and Alarms
All regional and subdivision pump stations are continuously monitored for proper operation, using a supervisory computer system. The system alerts operators of any unusual conditions that occur at any time of the day.
Pump stations are equipped with alarms and lights to indicate operational problems. All such alarms should be immediately reported to GSWSA’s Customer Service at (843) 443-8202 or (843) 443-8200.
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