GALESBURG, Ill. — A six-year-long and multimillion-dollar project has concluded in the city of Galesburg.
On Friday, Oct. 27, the city officially replaced its final lead water service line. The replacement project has been underway since 2017. City officials say that removing that source of hazardous lead will pay dividends in their community for a long time to come.
News 8's Joe McCoy was at the construction site when the 3,000th and final lead water services line was replaced.
"I believe we're one of the first communities to have all of our lead service lines replaced in Illinois," Michael Doi, Galesburg's director of public works, said. "Our top priority is the health and welfare of the city. So by doing this project, I think we've done a big step in improving that." He added that all the new pipes are PVC.
The Friday ceremony did have a slight hiccup after a cable snapped because of tree roots growing around it. However, after a little extra work, the final pipe was installed.
"Anytime (there's) a project of this size and undertaking, there's always going to be challenges," Aaron Gavin, the city's engineer said. "From identifying which properties were lead, to getting the residents contacted and cooperating with them on getting them into the house and getting them replaced. It takes a lot of effort."
Many of the homes in Galesburg are over 100 years old and with any old home, it usually means there are old pipes. John Allison and his wife have lived in their home for 34 years. It was initially built in the 1890s and due to its old age, was one of the houses to have its pipes replaced.
"It was really pretty slick. I had no idea," Allison said. "I thought they were gonna be digging a big hole in the yard. They dug up the terrace. They kind of tunneled the pipe through and fished it through and into the basement. And I mean, they were in and out in two hours. It was great."
The entire project was a $12 million undertaking, replacing pipes at 500 homes a year over six years. It was fully funded by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.
“This is a tremendous project for Galesburg. Our appreciation is extended to retired Public Works Director, Wayne Carl, who was instrumental in leading this project, resulting in a substantial and lasting improvement in the health and well-being of 3,000 households in our community," Interim City Manager John Schlaf said.
According to the Illinois EPA, an estimated 667,000 lead water service lines remain in the state.