BY MARIE McCAIN
The Cincinnati Enquirer
COLLEGE HILL -- Last year's $599,739 sewer project along Wittekind Terrace didn't work.
When the rains came Thursday, basements flooded.
So Friday the Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) was once again in problem-solving mode. About this time last year, this quiet residential roadway was in pieces as MSD private contractors worked to redo sewer lines so basements would not flood during heavy rains. The $599,739 paid for installation of 13 manholes and 10 storm lateral pipes. But construction equipment returned Friday as MSD officials acknowledged that last year's project had not solved the problem.
Since Thursday's downpour, MSD has received three complaints from homeowners about basement flooding, MSD spokeswoman Ann Newsom said.
She said an April study determined that a lateral line to the main sewer dipped slightly.
"The line was put in correctly and it was supposed to stay straight," Ms. Newsom said, adding that the line probably fell out of place after construction was complete.
She said MSD officials are going over proposals to fix the problem but are uncertain if the street will have to be torn up again.
Frustrated by the presence of a backhoe along her street Friday, Katherine Roberts, a resident of the 1500 block of Wittekind Terrace, worried that there may be a repeat of last year's construction.
"I did get a little water coming in this time and in April when we had a big downpour. But I am really concerned that MSD might tear up the road again," she said.
"I just wonder what's going on with MSD," the five-year resident said.
"Last year, I had to take a vacation away from home just to get away from all of (the construction). You couldn't get in or off of the street, " Ms. Roberts said.
Ms. Newsom said MSD understands Wittekind residents' concerns and hopes to get the problems cleared up as quickly as possible. Weather permitting, officials will begin corrective measures Monday, she said.
"These people in this neighborhood have been very supportive and worked with us. We like their cooperation and appreciate their patience," she said, adding that any sewer-related problems should be reported immediately by calling 352-4900.
