Vienna rushes to replace failed sluice gate at 12th Street sewer plant

Vienna rushes to replace failed sluice gate at 12th Street sewer plantA broken sluice gate has left the Vienna 12th Street sewer plant without emergency bypass capabilities, prompting utility officials to pivot toward installing a new gate valve as a concurrent platform replacement project wraps up.

A sluice gate controlling plant inflow broke while crews were removing bypass pumps, forcing operators to tie it open with a cable.

The utility manager plans to install a new gate valve rather than repairing the sluice gate, enabling emergency bypasses to the river.

Staff will seek an expedited cost estimate from Harper, the contractor currently finishing a platform replacement at the site.

The board is also revising the routing for its Phase 1 Wastewater System Improvements to utilize an existing flood wall penetration after Parkersburg rejected an "up and over" levee design.

The Vienna Utility Board in West Virginia is moving quickly to restore emergency bypass capabilities at its 12th Street sewer plant after a critical sluice gate failed, leaving operators unable to shut down plant inflows. During a September 9 meeting, the utility manager reported that the sluice gate broke approximately a week and a half earlier when crews attempted to remove bypass pumps. Operators had to use a winch to pull the gate open, and it is currently tied up with a cable to maintain flow. Rather than repairing or replacing the broken equipment in its current location, the manager recommended installing a new gate valve on the influent line. The new configuration would cost roughly the same but provide greater operational flexibility. "I think a gate valve would be a better option for us. I could close it and still run bypass pumps, or I can open a valve and bypass river in case of emergencies," the manager told the board. "I can't do it where the sluice gate is now." Staff will seek a cost estimate from Harper, the contractor currently working at the site, to expedite the installation. Board members indicated a willingness to convene a special meeting to approve the work, emphasizing the urgency of having no way to shut the plant down. The mechanical failure coincides with the near-completion of the 12th Street lift station wet well platform project. Harper has finished installing a new graded concrete platform and epoxy coating, resolving severe structural degradation that left the previous floor looking like it was "falling in." Only lighting and conduit installation remain on the project. Separately, the board is revising the routing for its Phase 1 Wastewater System Improvements. The neighboring city of Parkersburg, acting as the local sponsor for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers flood wall, rejected Vienna's proposed "up and over" levee design. Vienna will now evaluate a plan to utilize an existing penetration in the wall and will resubmit the proposal for approval.