Reading Reduces Risk of Sewer Backups with $9,500 Grant from the Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association
(July 26, 2024) – Reading was awarded a $9,500 grant from the Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association (MIIA), the town’s property and casualty insurance provider, to fund safety and risk management activities and equipment. Reading used the grant to purchase and install equipment that will provide crucial upgrades to operations at the Pitman Drive sewer pump station.
A new protein matrix pump, blower, and formulation are now helping to reduce buildup in the town’s sewer pump system from fat, oil, and grease that is often washed down drains after cooking and food preparation. Over time, sewer pump stations can accrue several layers of these solids that create operational problems with internal equipment such as pistons and pumps. The accumulation can cause reduced operational capacity, mechanical issues, interruptions in sewer service, and costly failures with sewage backups.
“With this new equipment in place from the MIIA grant, we are already seeing tangible benefits – with very little buildup and no blockages in our floats, pumps, interceptions, piping or other components at the sewer station,” said Christopher Cole, Reading’s Director of Public Works. “By pre-emptively addressing the issue of excessive buildup, we very likely have averted possible future claim costs from a significant sewer failure. We will also save on costs by reducing the need for regular maintenance due to buildup.”
For the 2024 fiscal year, MIIA awarded $1 million to fund over 150 grant requests from members for public safety activities and equipment. Municipalities were able to conduct safety training, procure equipment, purchase infrared cameras and security equipment for schools and public works departments, among many other initiatives.
“MIIA commends Reading for its efforts to mitigate risk, protect property and people, and prevent financial losses,” said Stan Corcoran, MIIA Executive Vice President. “Through our grant program, we’re proud to partner with our members to identify common areas where we typically see insurance claims and provide solutions that lead to effectively mitigating these losses.”
The Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association is the non-profit insurance arm of the Massachusetts Municipal Association. As a member-based organization, MIIA’s focus is to provide excellent service and quality risk management solutions to nearly 400 cities, towns, and other public entities in Massachusetts. For more information please visit https://www.emiia.org/and www.mma.org.
