Keokuk, IA – Public Works Director Gerald Moughler says the recent heavy rain has led to four significant sewer collapses. He brought them to the Keokuk City Council because they could affect public safety.
Moughler says the top priority is a collapse on N. 17th Street near Rand Park.
"We have opened up a huge cavern underneath 17th Street that we could lose a vehicle in," said Moughler. "Underneath this cavern, we have (a) visible natural gas pipeline and other utilities showing: storm (and) sanitary. It is just a dangerous situation."
Moughler says, in western Keokuk, there is now a home with an 18' deep sinkhole. He says there are also exposed utility lines near Kindustry Park and near N. 20th Street.
Members of the streets and sewer departments will handle the repairs, which will take place one at a time. Moughler says the first project will be the cavern beneath N. 17th Street.
The city will pay for the work using sewer rate revenue. Moughler says his plan to create a sinking fund for the CSO project will have to be put on hold.
In Other Action
The Keokuk City Council decided to
- look into adding concrete handicapped spaces behind the Rand Park Pavilion.
- move forward with repairs to the Keokuk Police Department parking lot.
- refer the extension of a sewer line for a group of homes in northern Keokuk to committee.