BUSTAMANTE ENGINEERS Case Study - Culvert Replacement Project

Culvert Replacement Project Made Possible with Assistance from PENNVEST

In the 1980’s and 90’s, many housing and commercial development stormwater management systems were built composed of corrugated metal pipes called CMP. These pipes are galvanized and range in sizes and configurations. The issue with utilizing galvanized metal pipes for stormwater systems is the runoff collected in these pipes usually contains deicing salts used for deterring ice accumulation on the roads. When the salt combines with the water runoff, de-galvanization occurs ultimately rusting the metal of the pipe. This typically affects the bottom of the pipe which provides the most structural support to the soil and anything that may be above it. So if the bottom of the pipe is gone, the pipe could fail and be susceptible to collapsing (click on detailed images below). 

The BUSTAMANTE ENGINEERS Inc. project that we are highlighting this month is CMP pipes that deteriorated and caused a portion of the pipe to collapse, and the necessary funding to complete the project. These four pipes were initially installed to allow for an existing creek to continue flowing underneath a roadway. The replacement of the pipes was the responsibility of a Homeowners Association. The project was pertinent as one of the four had already collapsed and the remainder of the pipes were in a similar disrepair. The cost of replacing the 400 linear feet of pipe was a significant undertaking but made possible with the assistance in the form of a loan received from Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST). 

What is PENNVEST? 

PENNVEST provides low-interest loans and grants for new construction or for improvements to publicly or privately-owned driving water, stormwater or sewage treatment facilities, as well as non-point source pollution prevention best management practices. PENNVEST also provides loan funding to remediate brownfield sites, as well as loan funding to individual homeowners for repair or replacement of their malfunctioning on-lot septic system or first-time connection to a public sewer collection system. Their Advance funding Program provides low-interest loans to provide funding for the design and engineering needed to improve water and wastewater management systems. 

Any municipality, authority, or private entity that is an owner and/or operator of a drinking water, wastewater, or non-point source pollution prevention project is eligible for funding. To confirm that you are eligible for assistance, visit the PENNVEST website at https://www.pa.gov/en/agencies/pennvest.html

to schedule a Planning Consultation Meeting. This meeting will review the steps necessary to apply for a loan and highlight the steps and qualifications needed to obtain one. 

Key Items Required for the PENNVEST Application Process 

• Engineered plans for the proposed work
• Oversight of the project 
• Permits from governing entities 
• An attorney to draft certain documents 
  

For the application, you will need assistance from a professional engineer to draft plans and submit permits to the governing entities (local, county, and/or state) required to complete the work. For this project, general permits from the state and a grading permit from the local municipality were required. These permits can be obtained in tandem with the application process, but it is recommended that they are obtained prior to or near the beginning of the application process. 

Protect the Your Investment & the Environment

This was an effective project due to the appropriate funding from PENNVEST and by proactively obtaining approvals from the PADEP (Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection) and the local municipality by BUSTAMANTE ENGINEERS. The project has been completed to all party’s satisfaction and the final product will be a lasting solution for the community. 

Overall, stormwater management systems are needed to protect the environment and prevent downstream flooding, but without proper maintenance, they can be a liability risk. You can mitigate this risk by contacting BUSTAMANTE ENGINEERS to perform inspections at least two times per year and after intense storms. If you, your community, or someone you know is looking to complete a stormwater management project, with or without the need of assistance from PENNVEST, please click to contact us or call 215-340-6990 today.