During the last week traffic has been slowed on Highway 61 near Benny’s Collision Center and My Brother’s Place Auto Repair west of town because crews have been working to repair a leak in the water main.
Tom Nelson, wastewater/ water superintendent came before the Grand Marais Public Utilities Commission (PUC) on Wednesday, September 21 with an update on the repair.
“We found a leak in the sewer force main line that feeds the west end of town on Highway 61,” said Nelson. “The line was 12 feet deep in the highway right of way. We had to obtain the services of the city engineer to draw up plans and submit plans to MnDOT for permit approval.”
Nelson said Northland Contractors were hired to do the job. “They were in town working and we needed the work done ASAP,” he said.
Public utility workers discovered the leak during a random check. “We don’t know how long it leaked or how much water leaked out. There’s really no way to tell,” Nelson said.
When asked what caused the problem Nelson said fist-sized, razor-sharp rocks used for fill around the plastic pipe caused the hole. “Typically they [contractors] use sand or washed rock as fill, but this sometimes happens when you get a low bid.”
The pipe was first put in around 1980 and replaced in 2000 when Highway 61 was being worked on.
Nelson didn’t have the final cost for the project at press time, but noted the repair wasn’t going to be cheap.
Northland Constructors finished the work on Friday, September 16.
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