EXPOSED PIPES

Exposed pipes are any pipes that are either in the stream or along the stream's immediate banks that could be damaged by a high flow event. It does not include pipe outfalls where only the open end of the pipe is exposed. Exposed pipes do include: 1) manhole stacks in or along the edge of the stream channel; 2) pipes that are exposed along the stream's banks; 3) pipes that run under the stream's bed and have been exposed by stream down-cutting; and 4) pipes that are built over a stream but are low enough that they could be affected by occasional high storm flows. Pipes that are placed along the support beams of bridges or suspended high enough above the stream to not be affected by very large storm events should not be included in this survey unless they are leaking.

Little Paint Branch Exposed Pipe (Before)

In urban areas it is very common for pipelines and other utilities to be located in the stream corridor. This is especially true for gravity sewer lines which depend on the continuous downward slope of the pipeline to move sewage to a pumping station or treatment plant. Since streams are located at the lowest points in the local landscape, engineers often build sewer lines parallel to streams to collect sewage from adjacent neighborhoods. While the pipelines are stationary, streams can migrate and over time can expose previously buried pipelines. When this occurs, the pipeline becomes vulnerable to being punctured by debris in the stream. Fluids in the pipelines can then be discharged into the stream causing a serious water quality problem.

If you are interest in getting this problem fixed contact your department of public works.

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This page was updated on 4/8/2004