Sewer Interceptor Failure Causes Overflows

Heavy rainfall on the night of Monday, May 5, contributed to a failure in a major sewer interceptor on Arlington Avenue, resulting in significant sanitary sewer overflows on Tuesday, May 6.

Backups occurred:

• at Yaryan Drive and Rohr Street, where a manhole overflowed into Delaware Creek
• on the north side of Arlington between Research Drive and Main Technology Drive, where another overflow discharged into Swan Creek
• at 4313 Glendale and 4330 Holly Hill, manholes overflowed into Heilman Ditch

The City of Toledo has notified the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is actively monitoring water quality in both waterways. A thorough investigation found no additional contributing infrastructure issues.

To address the Arlington sewer failure—also the cause of large sinkholes that have closed the road since February—the City has selected Kokosing as the contractor through a public bidding process. The total repair cost is $7,997,463.

This project was rebid after an earlier bid exceeded $21 million. The long-term fix will begin with the installation of a large pump to clear the backup, reroute flow, and allow for safe excavation. The pump is expected to arrive in mid-June.

Until then, if additional heavy rain occurs, similar backups could reoccur at these sites or potentially in other areas of the system.

Residents are urged to report any basement flooding or sewer backups to Engage Toledo (available 24/7):

• Phone: 419-936-2020
• Email: engagetoledo@toledo.oh.gov
• Online: toledo.oh.gov/engage

Residents interested to learn more about the upcoming construction on Arlington are invited to attend a public meeting on Monday, May 12 at 6 p.m. at Arlington Elementary.

We appreciate residents’ continued patience as we work to resolve this complex infrastructure challenge and protect public health and the environment.