Listed in Stormwater Management
Highway departments play a vital role in protecting roadways and nearby waterways by maintaining stormwater infrastructure. A key tool in this effort is the combination sewer cleaner truck, a powerful piece of equipment that both vacuums and jets debris from stormwater systems. One popular model used by many municipalities is the Vactor 2100, which features integrated high-pressure water jetting and a large-capacity vacuum system.
What Is a Combination Sewer Cleaner Truck?
Combination sewer cleaners, often referred to as combo trucks, are designed to do two jobs in one pass:
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Jetting: High-pressure water is used to break up blockages and flush sediment or debris from pipes, culverts, and drainage systems.
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Vacuuming: A large hose vacuums up loosened material from catch basins, manholes, drywells, and other stormwater structures.
This dual functionality allows crews to efficiently clean and maintain stormwater systems that would otherwise be time-consuming or dangerous to service manually.
Common Uses in Stormwater Maintenance
Highway departments use combination sewer cleaner trucks for various essential tasks:
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Vacuuming Catch Basin and Drywell Sumps: Sediment, leaves, trash, and other debris often settle in the sumps at the bottom of catch basins and drywells. If not regularly removed, this material can clog pipes or reduce the effectiveness of stormwater treatment. Vacuuming keeps these structures working properly and prevents backups.
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Jetting Culvert Pipes: Over time, culverts can become blocked by sediment, roots, or other obstructions. High-pressure jetting clears these blockages and restores full flow capacity.
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Flushing Stormwater Pipes: Periodic flushing of stormwater mains and lateral pipes helps prevent long-term buildup of sediment and debris that could reduce flow or lead to flooding.
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Cleaning Outfall Pipes and Inlets: Maintaining clear outfalls and inlets ensures that stormwater can enter and exit the system as designed, reducing the risk of roadside erosion or standing water.
Why This Matters in an MS4 Community
Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) are regulated under the Clean Water Act to reduce pollutant discharges into natural water bodies. A key requirement of MS4 compliance is maintaining stormwater infrastructure in good working order and keeping detailed records of inspections and cleanings.
Using a combination sewer cleaner truck supports MS4 compliance by:
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Reducing sediment and pollutant loads entering water bodies
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Preventing backups and system failures
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Providing documentation of maintenance activity, which can be recorded in an asset management system like Roadwurx
Stormwater systems are often out of sight, but they should never be out of mind. Regular cleaning using combination sewer cleaner trucks, such as the Vactor 2100, helps highway departments maintain flow capacity, protect road infrastructure, and meet environmental regulations. Investing in proper equipment and maintenance routines ensures long-term functionality and keeps your community compliant and protected.