Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a bypass operation?
Bypass pumping is a necessary element of rehabilitation to underground pipes. During repair of the pipes, sewage must be diverted to above ground pipelines. These lines, referred to as bypass lines, are tied to pumping stations throughout the rehabilitation area and maintain the steady flow of the sewer. After rehabilitation work is completed, the bypass pumping is removed in phases and sewer flows are returned to the newly rehabilitated underground pipes.
2. How will the District address odor problems and similar issues?
As with any project, the District places a high emphasis on odor control, with extensive odor control efforts taking place on this project. Fans with scrubbers and chemical feed stations will be placed where bypass pumps and discharge points are located. Feeding air and chemicals into the sewer allows a biological process to help alleviate odors. These controls will be closely monitored.
3. What is the District doing to make sure children from schools near the project are safe?
The District will take any and all precautions within school zones to ensure the safety of the school children. In areas where crosswalks are impacted, District staff is working with school officials to come up with a workable solution, and pedestrian access for students and parents will be maintained around the schools.
It’s important for parents to discuss important safety issues with their children and teach them not to play on or near bypass sewer lines or in construction zones. In the event of a sewer spill, children and parents need to take precautions to not come into contact with any of the waste.
4. Will there be a noise factor that will be a nuisance for residents?
In locations where the sewer flows are being pumped from a sewer line into a bypass line, or discharged back into another line, there may be audible noise from generators. Additionally, there will be noise during trenching, removal and installation of new sewer pipelines. However, noise reduction technologies will be employed to the extent possible to minimize the nuisance for our neighbors.
5. Why are there barricades up in my neighborhood, but no work being conducted?
There will be traffic barricades and lane restrictions continually throughout the project where bypass pumping is taking place. All of the sewer flows that normally enter the plant through the main pipelines on Flamingo Road and Desert Inn Road are being diverted so the lines can be rehabilitated. The bypass pumps are necessary, as are the barricades, in order to complete work in other areas.
6. Where can people go to find out more information about the project on a regular basis?
Updated information about the project is available on the District’s Web site at www.cleanwaterteam.com. People may also call the District’s project hotline at
853-1333. In addition to information about traffic, people may leave questions or comments and a District official will return their call within 24 hours.