COLUMBIANA Official to residents: Notify me of problems with sewer work

Debris during construction resulted in sewage backup in basements, the manager said.
By NANCY TULLIS
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
COLUMBIANA -- Sewer line replacement that began in February continues, leaving Pearl Street a mess and its residents unhappy.
Also unhappy is Steve Miner, son of Councilwoman Paula Miner, a resident of the adjacent North West Street.
Miner told council the Pearl Street work resulted in sewage backup in his basement, and he asked if the village or the contractor are liable for the damage.
Seeking notification: Village Manager Keith Chamberlin told Miner to send a copy of the bill to the contractor and also one to village hall. Chamberlin also said he wants anyone who has a similar problem, especially those who are unable to pay for repairs, to notify him.
He stopped short of saying the village would pay the bills but said, "I want to be aware of the situation. We'll see what we can do."
Chamberlin said the sewage backup is the result of debris entering the sewer lines during construction.
Problems fixed: He said a sinkhole that developed in front of Miner's house has been filled in and the problems that caused the sewage backup and the sinkhole have been fixed.
He said the Pearl Street work affected Miner's sewer lines because his house is on a dead-end street and near the end of the sewer line on that street.
Chamberlin said the contractors, Blacktop Pavers of Carrollton, expect to finish the project by the end of May.
The nearly $500,000 project to replace sewer lines on North Pearl Street is needed because of infiltration of storm water into the sewage system, Chamberlin said.
The old sewer line was cracked in several places, allowing storm water in, he said.