Macomb County begins project in Eastpointe to reduce combined sewer overflows

EASTPOINTE — Macomb County Public  Works has begun an underground infrastructure project in Eastpointe aimed at reducing combined sewer overflows into Lake St. Clair.

Excavation on what the department is calling an “in-system storage” project is underway on Beaconsfield Avenue, south of Nine Mile Road in Eastpointe. Workers are digging to reach a sewer pipe set about 50 feet below ground, according to a press release.

A section of the pipe, which is 11.5 feet in diameter, will be cut away to allow for the installation of a rubber weir, which can be inflated during a heavy rain event and then released so the flow can be sent to the Great Lakes Water Authority’s Detroit wastewater plant for proper treatment, rather than being discharged into Lake St. Clair, the press release states.

“Macomb County is very focused on protecting our Great Lakes water quality,” Public Works Commissioner Candice Miller stated in the release. “We are spending the dollars needed to upgrade our infrastructure because we recognize it’s an investment in a cleaner environment for ourselves and future generations.”

Norb Franz, communications manager for the county’s Public Works Office, said this was the first time a system like this has been used in the county.

“I’m told we utilized experience from other entities that have implemented inflatable bladders in sewers,” he said in an email. “We visited Louisville (Kentucky) to talk with them (about) how they are using this similar product and also GLWA has quite a few within their system.”

Eastpointe City Manager Mariah Walton said contractors have been working with the city and residents to minimize the construction’s impact.

“Beaconsfield is closed at Oak, which does impact residents in that area,” Walton said. “The contractors have been working incredibly well with the city and residents.”

Walton said the contractors have prioritized communicating any updates with residents in the area and city officials. Traffic has also been rerouted and signage has been posted for residents and those commuting through the area, she said.

The project is expected to cost $12.4 million and will be paid for using federal, state and county funds and will not cause any increase in sewer rates, the press release states. It is expected to be completed by the end of the year.