The area targeted for development in the Town of Clay is currently unsewered. This project provides essential wastewater infrastructure to support projected residential, commercial, and industrial growth.

The system is designed to handle peak hourly flows of up to 5.5 million gallons per day, with flexibility to phase capacity in line with development.

Construction began in Spring 2025 and is expected to be completed by Fall 2026. Construction of the force mains will occur in phases within that period and work with largely be complete by the end of 2025. The remainder of the construction work will be at the pump station location.

The project is funded by Onondaga County Department of Water Environment Protection through by capital improvement funding and revenue from sewer user fees. No special assessments to residents is needed

The route was selected to minimize impacts on wetlands, protected species, and regulated areas. Environmental permitting is being coordinated with NYSDEC and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Odor control and chemical feed systems will ensure the facility operates cleanly.

The Onondaga County Department of Water Environment Protection will own, operate, and maintain the pump station and force main system.

The pump station will be constructed near the intersection of Caughdenoy Road and NYS Route 31, strategically located to serve existing and future development.

Yes, temporary lane closures and construction activity can be expected along Caughdenoy Road, Van Hoesen Road, and Verplank Road.

The force main will primarily run within existing or County-acquired easements and rights-of-way. Property owners along the route will be contacted if any work requires temporary access or easement negotiation.

This project is part of the County’s long-term infrastructure planning and is funded through existing sources.

The initial focus is on enabling new development, but over time, nearby existing homes and businesses may have the opportunity to connect to the new sewer system if feasible and cost-effective.

The station will include advanced carbon canister odor control and chemical injection systems to neutralize odors at the source and within the force mains.

Construction is anticipated to begin in March 2025 and be completed by September 2026, depending on weather and permitting.

Construction will typically occur Monday through Saturday, 7 AM – 5 PM. Any extended-hour work will be communicated in advance.

Initial work will begin near the proposed pump station site at Caughdenoy Road and NYS Route 31, then progress along the force main route northward and west along Van Hoesen Road and Verplank Road.

Contractors are required to follow County regulations to control dust, noise, and vibration, including the use of water trucks and noise-reducing equipment where applicable.

Yes, rock excavation may be required in certain sections of the route. If blasting is necessary, affected residents will be notified in advance and proper safety measures will be followed.

There may be temporary lane closures or detours on Caughdenoy, Van Hoesen, and Verplank Roads. Full road closures are not anticipated. Signage and detour information will be provided in advance.

If your property lies along the pipeline route, there may be temporary access limitations, which will be coordinated in advance. Contractors will restore access as quickly as possible.

All disturbed areas, including lawns, driveways, and rights-of-way, will be restored to pre-construction conditions or better. Final restoration may occur after initial utility installation is complete and weather permits.

The County’s contractor is responsible for any damage caused by construction. A field inspector will be available to document and resolve complaints.

Contact WEP with any further questions or concerns during construction.

A force main is a pressurized pipeline used to transport wastewater from a pump station to a treatment plant or another point in the sewer system. Unlike gravity sewers that rely on sloped pipes, force mains use pumps to move sewage uphill, over long distances, or through flat terrain.

Wastewater flows by gravity into the pump station’s wet wells. From there, submersible pumps pressurize the flow and send it through the force mains (two pipelines: 10-inch and 18-inch diameters) toward the treatment plant. The pumps turn on and off as needed based on flow levels.

Force mains are closed and pressurized, which significantly reduces the risk of backups. The design includes dual pipelines, backup pumps, air release valves, and cleanout structures to ensure continued operation even under variable conditions or maintenance events.

The project area is relatively flat and currently lacks a natural downhill path to a treatment facility. The force main system allows wastewater to be moved efficiently and reliably from new development areas to the Oak Orchard Wastewater Treatment Plant.

In most cases, no. The force main runs along public rights-of-way or County easements, not through private yards. If your property is near the route, the County will communicate directly with you about any short-term construction access needs.

The system includes odor control features such as carbon canisters and chemical injection to minimize any potential odors. Because it is a closed system, force mains typically generate no detectable noise for nearby residents.