News

Jan 24, 2024

Newburgh's North Interceptor Sewer Project moves forward

CITY OF NEWBURGH − Over the next several months, a 35,000-pound tunnel boring

CITY OF NEWBURGH − Over the next several months, a 35,000-pound tunnel boring machine will drill through more than 2,000 feet of dirt and solid rock beneath Colden Street, according to city engineer Jason Morris. At the same time, the $1.5 million tunnel boring machine will lay the pipes that will soon replace much of the city's aging sewer system, Morris said.

The machine arrived in Newburgh on Thursday and marked the next phase of the city's $32 million plan to install the new north interceptor sewer pipe. The north interceptor sewer pipe currently brings wastewater from about half of the properties in the city to Newburgh's wastewater treatment plant.

The massive project is expected to be complete in the spring of 2024, and Morris said it will contribute to the prevention of up to 56 million gallons of sewage from flowing into the Hudson River every year.

"This sewer infrastructure project demonstrates the city of Newburgh's commitment to renew its infrastructure to not only allow for the economic revitalization of the city, but also to protect the region's most valuable natural resource: the Hudson River," Morris said on Thursday as the city unveiled the tunnel boring machine.

The $32 million price tag might seem intimidating, but state and local officials secured nearly enough state and federal grants to fund the entire project.

The project received $10 million from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's water quality improvement program, $11 million from the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation Water Infrastructure Improvements Act, $3.5 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, $2 million from the American Rescue Act funds and additional financing from New York's Clean Water State Revolving Fund, according to Morris.

Steve Leius, the president of SECA Underground Corporation, which was contracted by the city to operate the tunnel boring machine, said he isn't sure exactly how long the new sewer pipe is expected to last, but it will still be functioning many decades from now.

The north interceptor sewer line has been plagued with problems in recent years, and in 2017 the city discovered a leak in the 1970s-era pipe's retaining wall. A collapse of the pipe, Morris said in 2017, could cause up to 3 million gallons per day of untreated sewage to flow down Renwick and Water streets and into the Hudson River.

New York state and the United State Environmental Protection Agency are requiring the sewer pipe be replaced in order to increase the city's wastewater capacity and improve the water quality in the Hudson River.

Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson said the new sewer pipe will benefit Newburgh and Hudson Valley residents.

"This project will protect the Hudson River, and this project moving forward means that (the capacity of) the water and sewer department of the city of Newburgh will be increased," Jacobson said. "Once this is done, I am told that we'll be able to get rid of the old infrastructure here and this area can then be developed ... That means more housing and more commerce."

Morris confirmed that once the project is complete, the city will have the option of developing more of the East End.

Dan Shapley, co-director of science and patrol at the local nonprofit Riverkeeper, said he is encouraged by the project's progress and hopes it helps improve the overall health of the Hudson River.

"Let's get people in the water. This view is second to none," said Shapley, motioning toward the river and standing next to the 50-foot shaft into which the tunnel boring machine will be lowered. "It's majestic standing here next to this big hole in the ground. Swimming and having your kid go out and splash in that landscape, that's awe-inspiring. That's joy ... It's why people live in the Hudson Valley."

Erin Nolan is an investigative reporter for the Times Herald-Record and USA Today Network. Reach her at [email protected].