Lifespan Helps Solve Tidal Infiltration in Tsawwassen, BC

Articles > Lifespan Helps Solve Tidal Infiltration

Published: Tue, Dec 3, 2019

Contributor: Dan Leger | Profile | Articles

Tags: BC, British Columbia, Delta, Hamilton Kent, I&I, Infiltration, Inflow, Lifespan, Manholes, Manhole Toolbox, Sanitary, Tidal Infiltration, Tsawwassen

Tsawwassen is a coastal community in the lower mainland of BC, which is subject to influences of high tide along the shoreline. The Corporation of Delta faced a problem in the summer of 2015 when they were tasked to find a solution to an on-going inflow and infiltration issue that was bogging down their system’s overall performance. A total of 24 manholes, scattered across Tsawwassen Beach, were the core culprit of the I&I issues. A typical manhole has either 2 or 4 pick-holes on the top of the lid. When the tide rolls in and the manholes become covered in salt water, not only are they letting gallons of water into the system, but they are slowly corroding away due to the salt eating away at the cast iron manhole frames and covers.

The solution would have to be a water-tight, completely sealed unit that can be installed between tide changes. Not only did the solution need to be water-tight, easy to install, but it also had to be lightweight. This area was remote and only accessible by helicopter so there was no option of flying in regular cast iron frames and covers which weigh in excess of 250+ LBS. With the assistance of infraStruct, the Corporation of Delta was able to source a product that solved all of their needs. The Lifespan System, manufactured by Hamilton Kent is the worlds first water-tight manhole frame and cover (up to 15 PSI at all connection points), made out of non-corrosive materials (rubber frame, composite lid), and designed to last a minimum of 75 years.

Utilizing the existing concrete donut, the Lifespan System was installed after removing the existing frame and cover. The Corporation of Delta was pleased to use such a unique product and will be sure to use Hamilton Kent in the future for any inflow and infiltration issues within the manhole.