Wastewater

• Administrative:  Monday through Friday, 8.00 AM to 4.00PM (Excluding Holidays)

The city’s sewer system has played a crucial role in promoting public health, managing wastewater, and protecting the environment. In 1954, the New Albany Sewer Department was established as a separate entity known as the New Albany Sanitary District. This new organization was responsible for operating, maintaining, and expanding the city’s sewer system. The formation of the Sanitary District allowed for a more focused approach to managing the wastewater infrastructure. New Albany’s sewer system has undergone significant modernization in recent decades to meet stricter environmental regulations and enhance water quality. Like many older cities, New Albany has issues with an aging system and stormwater infiltrating or inflowing into the system. During heavy rain, the system can become overwhelmed, leading to sanitary sewer overflows, which release untreated or partially treated wastewater into nearby water bodies. To mitigate this issue, New Albany has implemented various capital improvement projects, including the construction of underground storage systems, the use of flow diversion structures, and the implementation of green infrastructure practices to reduce RDII to the system. The New Albany Sanitary District continues to focus on maintaining and improving the sewer system. Regular inspections, repairs, and upgrades are performed to ensure the system’s reliability and functionality. This master plan addresses long-term plans to address future growth and remaining system challenges, such as aging infrastructure, areas with capacity issues, increased urbanization, and evolving regulatory requirements. The New Albany service area includes: · over 2,500 acres, 1.7M feet of sanitary sewers ranging from 3-inch to 72-inch, · 5600 manholes, · 32 lift stations · Basin 14 Underground Storage System · St. Mary’s Underground Storage System · Class IV treatment facility rated for 12 mgd design average flow (DAF) with a design peak flow of 70 mgd. 

Q. What is the purpose of the Sewer Board?
A. The board administers the rate, structures, the billings, environmental impacts, governmental regulations, personnel, building maintenance, and future expansions.

Q. Who do I contact if I have backup in my basement?
A. Call the office at 812-948-5320 and we will send someone out to check the main to determine whether the backup is caused by blockage from the City’s main.  Sewer personnel will not go onto private property to clear a drain.  If the blockage is determined to be on the homeowner’s property, the homeowner must call a licensed plumber.

Q. Who do I call to locate my sewer line?
A. Call – Before You Dig 811 or 1-800-382-5544 for all other utility locates.

Q. Where are the lift stations located?
A. There are 32 lift stations.

Q. My neighbor is discharging raw sewage on their property. Is this legal?  How do I file a complaint?
A. Call the Health Department- 812-948-4726.  The health dept will go out and inspect and fine the partied if they are not in compliance.  You may call the Wastewater office and we will send someone out to check the line.

Q. Will new sewer lines be constructed in my area?
A. Proposed improvement project areas are located throughout the City.  The existing WWTP at W. 1Oth Street and Main Street requires upgrading.  Improvements considered under this PER include lift station upgrades, new lift stations and forcemains, and gravity relief sewers.  Proposed improvements will be constructed within or adjacent to existing City right-of-way on previously disturbed ground, where possible.

Q. Is it ok to call your office for a smell?
A. Sewer smells are typically present when sewer gas escapes from the sewer and makes its way into your home or basement through the drains or a leak. There are a few potential causes: cracked drain, clogged rain vent, no drain trap and etc.  Sewer gas can be harmful to your health and may pose a fire risk.

Q. I live in the county, can I connect to City sewers?
A. If a sewer line is within 300 feet of a property it can connect to the City’s sewers.  The tap-in fees for residences are:  City:  $1800.00 and Fringe:  $3050.00.

Q. What is IDEM’s role with the municipal sewers?
A. See link: http://www.in.gov/idem/5919.htm

Q. How many customers does the wastewater plant service?
A. We service approximately 18,000 customers throughout the City of New Albany and its unincorporated Fringe Area.

Q. What is the difference between a basin interceptor and a pump station?
A. Pumping stations are facilities including pumps and equipment for pumping fluids from one place to another. They are used for a variety of infrastructure systems, such as the supply of water to canals, the drainage of low-lying land, and the removal of sewage to processing sites. Basin Interceptors are temporary storage basin which will prevent rainwater from pushing the system beyond its capacity.

Q. Do I call your office if I have a question about my sewer bill?
A. New Albany Municipal Utilities handles the billing for the City of New Albany.

• Standard Drawing Template (.dwg)
• Indiana Code 36-9-23 – Governs Municipal Wastewater Operations
• Indiana Code 36-9-28 Chapter 28 Certain Watercourse, Levee, Sewer, and Drain Improvements
• Indiana Code 36-9-23 Chapter 23 Municipal Sewage Works
• New Albany Code of Ordinances (Chapter 51: Sewers)
• New Albany Code of Ordinances (Chapter 52: Wastewater Treatment Plant)
• IDEM Permit Guide Wastewater Treatment Plants 
• IDEM Forms
• EPA Municipalities and Wastewater Treatment Plants
• EPA Wastewater Management
• EPA REGION 5
• NAFC Sanitary Sewer and Stormwater Design Manual & References
• What not to put in the Sewer.