Circle Drive, Surrounding Area Residents May See Individuals Roaming; Likely Reviewing Sewer System
By Jeff Toquinto on February 15, 2017 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
If you live in and around the Circle Drive area of Bridgeport and see some strange folks, former Bridgeport City Engineer Tom Brown said there’s a good chance it may have something to do with a project that is being considered.
During last week’s Bridgeport Utility Board meeting, Brown said discussion was held on a possible sewer upgrade project in that area. 
As part of the process, individuals may be canvassing that section of Bridgeport to get a better handle on the problem.
As part of the process, individuals may be canvassing that section of Bridgeport to get a better handle on the problem.
“We’re looking at a possible sewer upgrade in that area. There’s potential that it will be done, but it’s not definite at this point,” said Brown. “In order to get a handle on the situation we may have people out in the field checking areas out and we want people to know ahead of time what those individuals may be doing.”
Brown said the area in question is a section of the city still have inflow and infiltration issues. The I&I problem, which sees storm water infiltrate into damaged or broken 
sewer lines, results in rain water having to be treated at Bridgeport’s wastewater treatment plant. The treatment adds to the cost of operations at the plant.
sewer lines, results in rain water having to be treated at Bridgeport’s wastewater treatment plant. The treatment adds to the cost of operations at the plant.
“We have some terracotta pipes in that area as well as some ACP (asbestos concrete pipe) that are old,” said Brown. “Failure of those lines after a while is not uncommon.”
That doesn’t meant the problem is definitely in need of a major fix. Thus, the reason to send individuals out in the field.
“We have no clue as to the significance of what we’re dealing with,” said Brown. “This is just the beginning of the investigation.”
The former city engineer is asking that residents spread the word about the potential of seeing individuals in and around the area.
Brown said if anyone has any questions of concerns if they see anyone out, they can contact the Bridgeport Engineer’s office. The number is 304-842-8231.
Editor's Note: Top photo shows part of the Circle Drive area that will be reviewed for a potential sewer project, while an old piece of terracotta sewer line is shown below.
