Problem: The Village of Hamler, Ohio, was experiencing extreme infiltration due to deteriorating manholes, leading to 168,000 gallons per day of excess water entering the lagoon system during rain events. This overwhelmed the system, preventing proper retention times and creating the risk of EPA compliance violations. The village needed a durable and cost-effective solution to reduce infiltration and extend the life of its wastewater infrastructure.
Solution: To address the problem, Hamler turned to ART, an OBIC-certified installer, to rehabilitate 25 of its 100 manholes. The project was completed in increments of about 10 manholes at a time, allowing for real-time monitoring of improvements. During the initial phase, the ART team discovered:
- Severe H2S corrosion deteriorating concrete structures
- Water gushing around pipes and pipe boots
- Groundwater infiltration overwhelming the lagoon system
ART utilized OBIC 2210 chemical grout, specifically designed to seal high-pressure leaks. In some cases, water was shooting across the manhole from one side to the other, requiring multiple drill holes around pipe openings to effectively block infiltration. Once the leaks were sealed, the manholes were lined with the OBIC Armor multi-layer system, creating a seamless, durable barrier against future deterioration.
Result: The impact of the rehabilitation was immediate and measurable:
- Significant reduction in infiltration: Within the first week of completing just 10 manholes, infiltration was reduced by 30,000 gallons per day. By the end of the project, total daily infiltration during rain events dropped from 168,000 gallons to 75,000 gallons.
- EPA compliance restored: With reduced excess water, the lagoon system could function properly, alleviating compliance concerns.
- Long-term infrastructure protection: OBIC Armor’s SWAT-tested durability and 10-year warranty ensured long-lasting results.
- Cost savings: By opting for rehabilitation instead of full replacement, the village avoided a far more expensive infrastructure overhaul.
