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Virginia Beach , Virginia

The Virginia Beach Department of Public Utilities (DPU) has been an advocate of AIRVAC vacuum sewer technology for 10 years. They recently installed a sixth vacuum system in the Little Neck community that will serve more than 320 homes. Why is Virginia Beach such a proponent of vacuum sewers and AIRVAC? They would say ease of installation, cost effectiveness, low maintenance, reliability and great customer support.

“Because of the high water table in this area, vacuum sewers are much less disruptive to install than gravity systems. For our situation, vacuum sewers are the perfect solution,” said Mike McCarthy, P.E., of the Virginia Beach DPU.

Septic tanks were an environmental concern in the Little Neck community. Replacing them with a modern vacuum sewer system not only solved the environmental problem, it also enhanced the community's property values. DPU officials also note that AIRVAC systems require very little maintenance and are extremely reliable.

There are other benefits as well. Hurricanes periodically visit the Virginia Coast. When Hurricane Isabelle came through in 2003, more than 90 percent of the city's sewer pumping stations were out of commission due to electrical power outages. However, none of Virginia Beach's vacuum stations were affected because all are equipped with permanent backup generators.

Ten years of vacuum sewer experience coupled with AIRVAC's continual aftermarket support have convinced the Virginia Beach DPU that AIRVAC is the way to go.

This article appeared in the October, 2005 issue of Government Engineering. If you would like to read the entire story as it appeared in the magazine, you can download a pdf, or you may request hard copies.

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