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the wastewater to flow by gravity to the lower points. When a valve opens, the differential pressure <br /> causes the air to push the wastewater to the plant. Vacuum sewers utilize a small diameter PVC pipe <br /> placed in a shallow trench, which reduces costs such as excavation, construction and restoration. The <br /> project can also be completed more quickly. The site features back up generation so that the <br /> wastewater system is operational despite storms or outages_ Systems are very compatible with <br /> residential applications and vacuum stations are diminutive structures that tend to fit into the local <br /> architecture. All technology is tested and proven at the factory_ <br /> Mr. Malarkey asked if the system was being used in Alloway, NJ, Mr. Braginton-Smith responded <br /> that the system has been installed in locations throughout NJ but that he would research that particular <br /> location. Locally Mr. Braginton-Smith stated that AIRVAC systems are located in Barnstable, <br /> Provincetown and Plum Island. Mr. Braginton-Smith also stated that some systems had been adapted <br /> to AIRVAC, such as in Barnstable and Provincetown, which can create problems with the system. <br /> Although the systems were not originally vacuum sewer design,their conversion to AIRVAC allowed <br /> significant savings, such as $1 million in Barnstable for the Bearse's Way system. Mr. Braginton- <br /> Smith announced his willingness to work with Mashpee early in the design process providing <br /> complementary preliminary design of approximately 80%of the collection system. An engineer would <br /> still be needed to integrate the local details. AIRVAC's involvement in the planning stages can save <br /> money and expedite the project. Additionally, when the design is done and the project is completed, <br /> AIRVAC will continue to offer its help as needed. A regional service center is located in Hyannis <br /> allowing for immediate response to any problems. AIRVAC is committed to customer service and <br /> support. <br /> In discussing the costs of wastewater and sewering, Mr. Braginton-Smith noted that the expense of <br /> such projects are found in the pipes, the restoration and the collection system. Vacuum collection is a <br /> cost effective option because the design allows for a minimum of two residents per valve pit but in <br /> some areas, such as Popponesset,three to four residents could be connected to one valve pit allowing <br /> for a more cost effective project. Mr. Braginton-Smith emphasized the importance of maximizing the <br /> value of the installation. Mr. O'Hara questioned the maximum number of homes connected to one <br /> valve pit to which Mr. Braginton-Smith responded that four homes could be included with no problem, <br /> depending upon the size of the home. Mr. Malarkey questioned the diameter of the pipe and Mr. <br /> Braginton-Smith reported use of 3-4 inch PVC at the home, with the size increasing as it nears the <br /> vacuum station resulting in a main line of 10 inches that exits the vacuum station. Mr. Fudala <br /> questioned the system's ability to remove liquids and solids from the home. Mr. Braginton-Smith <br /> responded that once the level in the sump reaches 10 gallons, the valve triggers and the wastewater is <br /> cleared within 1 '/2 seconds and the contents of the sump become finely macerated. Additionally, Mr. <br /> Braginton-Smith noted that the clogs are rare because of the increasing size of the pipes in the system. <br /> Mr. O'Hara questioned whether the system would work in conjunction with a gravity system and Mr. <br /> Braginton-Smith confirmed that it would be considered a hybrid within the community because some <br /> areas in Mashpee, due to grade, will require a vacuum system or a pump system. Mr. O'Hara inquired <br /> why Mashpee should choose the vacuum system and Mr. Braginton-Smith responded that the system <br /> protects the environment, noting that leaks would be sucked into the system, and energy is not used to <br /> activate the system. <br /> W. Braginton-Smith continued with a description of the event that occurred in Provincetown's system <br /> which includes grinder pump technology, but noted that the vacuum system now works very well. Mr. <br /> Braginton-Smith reported that problems in the east end of Provincetown occurred during times of <br /> increased flow during special events. Sump pumps had been feeding into the vacuum system where a <br /> previously installed valve pit had not been vented. As a result, the pit collapsed at the beginning of the <br /> project and although the system continued to operate, rocks and pavement were sucked into the system <br /> 2 <br />