Ryan, a historic mining camp, is much like a small town where a critical aspect of operations is managing wastewater—moving it efficiently from its source to its proper destination. Ryan construction began over 100 years ago and its sewer infrastructure including its ceramic sewer lines, composed of 2’ sections of 4” and 6” brown-glazed earthenware ceramic, dates from that time.

The DVC inherited a compromised and very temperamental sewer system at Ryan that required almost constant maintenance and repair. Being such a critical piece of the site’s infrastructure, it was imperative to get the system functioning properly. Thus, the sewer restoration and repair project was born.

In order to carefully ensure historic preservation and the desire to minimize excavation with the pressing need to maintain the sewer, a modern solution was required.

Over a period of multiple weeks, the Death Valley Conservancy’s contractors performed a comprehensive video inspection of the sewer system, located the lines and damaged areas, and carefully hydro jetted the system.

To repair the damaged areas, a cutting-edge cast in place liner was installed into the historic sewer pipes. This allowed for the piping to be saved and modernized in place, without any unnecessary excavation or replacement of the historic pipes.

The system has performed flawlessly since the restoration was completed and will allow for the continued safe and sanitary operation of Ryan’s sewer for the next century.

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