Upstate city prepares for largest sewer project since 1980s: Replacing aging clay pipes

Easley Combined Utilities is planning a multi-phase sewer project with construction set to begin in late summer 2026.
The project will address the Brushy Creek, 18 Mile Creek, and Middle Branch sewer interceptors.
Easley Combined Utilities has developed its wastewater master plan, which involves key stakeholders, including the City of Easley, Pickens County, East Carolina University (ECU), and community representatives.
The plan outlines long-term objectives and strategies for managing and improving wastewater infrastructure in Easley.
The multi-phase sewer project will focus on replacing aging clay pipes to mitigate infiltration and inflow problems and increase capacity to handle wet weather events.
Given Easley's current population of 28,620 residents and its rapid annual growth rate of 4.06%, it is crucial that wastewater infrastructure keeps pace with this expansion, according to officials.
The sewer interceptor project plans include:
Reduction of I&I (infiltration & inflow) from old, leaking clay pipes.
Increased capacity to handle wet weather events.
No addition of new service areas.
No new service areas are included in the design as the focus is on maintaining and improving existing infrastructure.
Tyler Morgan, operations engineer for Easley Combined Utilities, said this is the most significant sewer project the city has embarked on since the 1980s.
"While this is a very exciting endeavor, we also want to ensure we communicate clearly with the community to make this the best possible experience for everyone involved, from project kickoff to final construction," he said.
According to a press release, Easley Combined Utilities will share information about the process and next steps via their social media channels (primarily Facebook and Instagram), a quarterly digital newsletter, and their website.
A designated meeting for property owners and the public is planned for early fall 2025.
For questions or concerns regarding the project, contact Tyler Morgan at 864-644-8169 or tmorgan@easleyutilities.com.
According to a press release, the project involves associated pipes with diameters ranging from 16 to 36 inches, requiring a large construction area.
Easley Combined Utilities will use its existing easements where feasible.
However, it will also seek approximately 70 additional construction and/or permanent easements from property owners. Impacted property owners will be contacted starting in November 2025 to discuss easement requirements.
Design contract approval: May 2025
Begin contract easement process: November 2025
Construction begins: Late summer 2026
Funding for the project will be provided through a state revolving loan fund.
According to a press release, the sewer revolving fund program provides low-interest loans specifically for the repair and improvement of water and wastewater plants and distribution systems, such as those managed by ECU.
Travis Rose covers Anderson County for the Independent Mail. Reach him via email at trose@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: What to know about Easley's largest sewer project since 1980s

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