4A-12: Removing or Abandoning Storm or Sanitary Sewer

This section presents information related to removing or abandoning storm or sanitary sewer.  When an existing storm or sanitary sewer no longer serves its purpose, it may be removed or it may be left in place (abandoned) and then plugged or filled and plugged.  Several factors weigh into the decision of whether to remove a sewer or to abandon it. Every job is different, so each case needs to be reviewed individually to determine the best course of action.

Removing Storm or Sanitary Sewer

Designers should work with the District to determine which, if any, sewer lines need to be removed. Quantities are tabulated on Tabulation 110-14.

Abandoning Storm or Sanitary Sewer

Abandoned sewer is either plugged or plugged and filled.  Refer to Sections 2503 and 2504 of the Standard Specifications.

Plug

Abandoned sewer that is sealed well enough to prevent the possibility of fines infiltrating into the pipe can be plugged.  Undamaged sanitary sewer can often be treated by simply plugging. Plugging sewers is incidental to other work and is not paid for separately.  However, it should still be tabbed on Tabulation 110-14.  Fill in the Location/Description, Type, and Abandonment or Removal columns.  Put N/A in the Length of Pipe columns and add a note to the remarks column:

XX” diameter pipe, plug only.

Fill and Plug

Abandoned sewer that has the potential to allow fines to infiltrate into the pipe should be filled and plugged.  Storm sewer and damaged sanitary sewer will typically require filling and plugging.  Quantities are tabulated on Tabulation 110-14.

Abandoned sewer should be shown and referenced on road plans to avoid future problems.

Chronology of Changes