Evesham MUA to reprioritize capital pipeline following severe transmission main collapse

Evesham MUA to reprioritize capital pipeline following severe transmission main collapseA collapsed 12-inch asbestos concrete wastewater transmission line under Route 70 has forced the New Jersey utility to evaluate pipe bursting or relining, potentially delaying other planned capital projects to cover the hefty financial cost.

A reported sewer backup was traced to a collapsed 12-inch asbestos concrete main, which had likely been degraded by decades of hydrogen sulfide gas.

Emergency crews bypassed the flow and replaced 62 feet of the compromised pipe, which was buried more than 12 feet deep.

The authority will conduct video inspections to determine whether to reline or pipe-burst the remainder of the transmission line.

The board also awarded a $1.33 million contract to Ranco Construction for a new generator at the Elmwood Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The Evesham Municipal Utilities Authority (MUA) in New Jersey is preparing to shift its capital project priorities following a severe wastewater transmission main collapse that required an emergency bypass and extensive roadwork. During the authority's May 6, 2026, board meeting, the Executive Director detailed the emergency, which initially appeared to be a standard sewer system overflow at a local church. Crews quickly discovered that a 12-inch asbestos concrete transmission line running along Route 70 had completely collapsed. The pipe had likely been eaten away by hydrogen sulfide gas over several decades until the weight of the roadway above compromised it. After initial attempts to clear the line failed, the MUA established a large-scale bypass system. Third-party contractors ultimately replaced approximately 62 feet of the collapsed pipe, which was buried over 12 feet deep. Following the emergency repair, the authority plans to conduct overnight video inspections of the line to assess the remaining pipe's integrity. Depending on the condition of the existing cavern, the MUA will choose between relining—which is less expensive but requires a relatively unobstructed host pipe—or pipe bursting. The Executive Director warned the board that the upcoming rehabilitation, combined with the costs of 24/7 traffic control and emergency contractors, will be a "pretty hefty lift financially" for the authority. As a result, the MUA may have to push aside other previously approved capital projects to ensure the transmission line's future integrity. In other infrastructure business, the board approved a $1,336,580.50 contract to Ranco Construction Inc. for a generator replacement at the Elmwood Wastewater Treatment Plant. The winning bid came in slightly above the engineer's estimate. The board also approved a $21,900 change order to Uni-Tech Drilling Inc. for the ongoing Well 8 replacement project. The change order was required after contractors encountered hardpan and cemented sands instead of the expected loose sands, forcing a shift from reverse rotary under-reaming to a forward rotary drilling method with a gravel pack. Additionally, the authority approved a one-year, $149,968 contract extension with Interstate Waste Services of New Jersey for sludge transportation services. The Elmwood plant's centrifuge processing currently generates two to three 20-yard dumpsters of sludge per day.