Wareham Water Pollution Control Facility officials are set to launch a construction project in February, reinforcing a 1.7-mile stretch of sewer main from Swifts Beach to Merchants Way. Impacts to residents include a temporary loss of sewer service, likely lasting 12 hours, when construction crews work their way down the pipe.

On Saturday, the Board of Sewer Commissioners held an informational session on the $4.2 million project, which will be paid with money from a pollution control facility fund dedicated to improving infrastructure.

Robert Drake, a vice president with the BETA Group, Inc., the firm overseeing the project, explained that portions of the main are in danger of failing. The pipe’s concrete lining is badly cracked in places and water is leaking into the main, he said. 

“It needs to be rehabilitated,” said Drake. “Water is pouring into the sewer pipe, which increases treatment costs and raw sewage could be leaking into sensitive environmental areas.” 

The project is slated to start on Feb. 4 with the pipes being cleaned and inspected. Construction work is set to begin soon after and last until April.

Repairs include an innovative approach that will reline the pipes using a non-toxic epoxy patented by former Onset resident Danny Warren. His company, Warren Environmental, Inc., is based in Middleboro but has completed major projects around the world.

As crews apply the epoxy, residents living near that section of pipe will be asked to strictly limit water use. Two notices will go out, one a week before crews arrive and another 24 hours before. Relining will be done in stages with pipe sections being repaired in stretches between manhole covers.

Water Pollution Control Facility Director Guy Campinha said he’s aware that may cause some hardship for residents. He encouraged anyone with questions to contact himself or anyone listed on the notices that will be sent out ahead of time.

“We’re willing to work with anybody who may have a problem,” said Campinha.

The project will begin near the Ruggles Pump Station in the Swifts Beach neighborhood. It will then run down Swifts Beach Road before turning toward Wareham Middle School. It will then meet up with Kennedy Lane, run down Sawyer Street and then pass by the Wareham Fire Department before hitting Merchants Way.