After being plagued for years by chronic sewerage surcharges and basement backups, the city of Columbus, Ohio, sought relief for the residents of the Livingston-James neighborhood. To determine the most cost-effective way to solve the persistent problems in this southeast part of the city, CDM is working closely with the Department of Public Utilities Division of Sewerage and Drainage (DOSD) to perform a detailed study of the wastewater and stormwater infrastructure in the 13-square-mile area. This project assesses more than 800,000 feet of sewer pipes, ranging in size from 4 inches to 66 inches, using digital closed caption television (CCTV) cameras. CDM's CCTV technology allows DOSD officials to easily store and retrieve hundreds of hours of footage, including video, photos, and pipe condition information located anywhere in the system.
The sewer analysis also combines interior sewer images, video, rainfall and sewer flow data, and analytical tools, such as PC-SWMM (stormwater management model) software, into a sewer modeling and comprehensive geographic information system. Upon completion, DOSD modelers will continue to operate the Livingston-James sewer model, integrate it into the city's current systemwide model, and keep it updated to ensure its central role in sound sewer system operation for years to come. In addition, CDM engineers have educated residents in the neighborhood about their role in ensuring the proper performance of the areas' sewers and to prevent system emergencies.