Anchorage to replace 200 feet of asbestos sewer pipe in Spenard

Anchorage Water and Wastewater Utility will replace 200 feet of aging asbestos concrete sewer pipe on West 30th Avenue between Spenard Road and Arctic Boulevard. The state Department of Environmental Conservation approved the project for Clean Water State Revolving Fund financing on May 11.

The utility will remove and replace the 4-inch pipe that has reached the end of its useful life. Crews will dig excavations 7 to 12 feet deep and 10 to 15 feet wide using open cut methods.

Asbestos concrete pipe was commonly installed in water and sewer systems during the mid-20th century. The material is considered safe when intact but requires special handling during removal.

The department determined the project qualifies for a categorical exclusion from further environmental review because it will not significantly affect treatment capacity, cultural resources, endangered species habitat, or environmental quality.

The utility has not announced a construction timeline.