"font-size: small;">BAY

MINETTE, Ala. — North Baldwin Utilities’ ongoing efforts to repair

Bay Minette’s sewer lines seem to be paying off.

"font-size: small;">As

previously reported, the organization has conducted a series of

smoke tests to detect problems within the system.

"font-size: small;">“The

biggest problem in cracks in pipes is that when it rains, water

gets into the sewer system,” NBU General Manager Jason Padgett said

during Wednesday’s regular meeting of NBU’s Board of Directors.

“When we have heavy rainfall, that system fills

up.”

"font-size: small;">But thanks

to the smoke tests, the organization has been able to find and

repair those cracks over time.

"font-size: small;">“We’re

starting to see rain events where we’re not seeing overflow (in the

sewers),” Padgett told the board.

"font-size: small;">NBU

Engineering Manager Larry Stejskal said that the organization had

been working on solving the overflow problems when he came to NBU

in 2007.

"font-size: small;">“They had

been doing all the right things,” he said. “But the logic affecting

us was that we had so many problems.”

"font-size: small;">Those

problems stemmed from the age of the sewer pipes.

"font-size: small;">“The

facilities were built in the ‘40s, ‘50s and ’60s,” Stejskal said,

explaining that regulations at that time required sewer systems to

have overflow pipes connecting to a creek. “If you have one now,

you go to jail.”

"font-size: small;">The

engineer told the board that the age of the sewer pipes contributed

to wear and tear, creating small cracks throughout the system. But

with the smoke tests, NBU has located and repaired those cracks

over the years, with results finally beginning to show. Citing a

recent 2.5-inch rain, he explained that no overflow

occurred.

"font-size: small;">“We now

feel very comfortable that we’ve turned a corner,” Stejskal

said.

"font-size: small;">Padgett

added that tests and repairs to the sewer system will be an ongoing

process.