The original item was published from 8/11/2022 8:18:00 PM to 8/12/2022 8:07:06 AM.

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Posted on: August 11, 2022

[ARCHIVED] IMPORTANT UPDATE: Sewer Emergency

Update as of 9:00pm: We continue to make progress and we are moving in the right direction. Please note that the sewer emergency for properties on the vacuum sewer system is still in place at this time. This includes properties on Commercial Street from Snow Street to Point Street, and properties on the sewer system on Bradford Street between Conwell Street and Prince Street. For complete list of properties impacted on the vacuum system, follow this link: https://prov.town/w8av5s

We do have some data we want to share after speaking with our sewer team and engineers a few minutes ago:

First, the flows through the central vacuum system were significantly lower today as a result of the restrictions put in place. Yesterday, we had 125,600 gallons go through the central vacuum system; today we had 65,400 gallons go through the vacuum system - a 48% decrease in flow compared to yesterday. This allowed the sewer team to continue making repairs.

As of right now, our team on the ground has brought:

67% of structures/manholes back online

63% of the total length of the system is operating

68% of total properties are functioning

80% of total flow has been reconnected

Despite this progress, we cannot connect one portion of the system at a time. The entire vacuum system needs to be reconnected in order to get back online and back to normal. The team will be working overnight and we will provide another update in the morning.

Thank you again to everyone who is cooperating with the restrictions announced this morning - it is making a difference.

A reminder that the restrictions do not apply to sewer customers that are on our gravity system, nor does it apply to properties with on-site septic systems.

Any restaurant or food service business in this service area needs to remained closed, except for the sale of prepackaged, ready to eat food. Any residential property on this system must reduce water use, including dishwashing, laundry, showering, and only flushing when absolutely necessary.

As of now, all public restrooms will be closed again tomorrow. We have porta potties on Ryder Street next to Town Hall.

If you have any questions you can call DPW Deputy Director Sherry Prada during business hours at 508-487-7060. If you are having a sewer emergency, you need to call the answering service at 508-487-5474 and leave a message. We will get back to you as soon as we can.

SEWER PROPERTY AFFECTED ADDRESSES (PDF)

MAP OF AFFECTED AREA:

Sewer

CLARIFICATION regarding retail food sales: IMPORTANT Sewer emergency message: Food Service licensees in Vacuum Sewer areas and public restrooms are closed pending essential repairs

After internal staff consideration here is a CLARIFICATION on the closure:

All restaurant food preparation operations and bars are closed.
ONLY retail sales of commercially pre-packaged ready to eat food items is permitted in the vacuum sewer system area, until further notice.

Please understand that these measures are absolutely necessary to get repairs made quickly.

Without absolute cooperation the emergency conditions will take longer to resolve.

While retail shops and other attractions outside of food licensing are not required to close at this time, they are encouraged to limit staff, limit hours or close up shop.