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.
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