In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, large volumes of debris moved downstream along the South Fork Roanoke River, collecting around a low-lying sanitary sewer line that crosses the river. As trees, root systems and debris accumulated against the pipe, pressure began to build, raising concerns about its structural integrity and the potential for failure of the pipe.
H&P helped move the response forward by navigating the permitting required to safely remove debris from the river. The team developed an erosion and sediment control plan and worked directly with the contractor to align field operations with regulatory requirements. Because the work occurred within an active stream channel, coordination with state and federal agencies was required to address environmental sensitivities before any debris removal could begin.
With debris now cleared, the condition of the pipe is more visible, allowing the locality to better assess next steps. The work exposed sections of the sewer line where the protective concrete had deteriorated and the pipe had become vulnerable, providing a clearer understanding of where repairs or stabilization may be needed.
