One of our most challenging projects in recent history involved a historic mill in North Scituate, Massachusetts. The mill was built in 1691-92 by Abraham Lincoln’s great-great-great-grandfather, Mordecai Lincoln.
The problem facing Team EJP was very complex. An existing 81-inch steel culvert ran directly under the colonial era mill building and adjacent roadway, and it was badly corroded. That water passage connects an old mill pond on the property to Bound Brook. The deterioration of the steel culvert created leaks, causing a sinkhole in the adjacent road and posing a significant threat to the fragile mill building.
Because the mill building is located in a tidal zone, the culvert’s corrosion had been accelerated by a mixture of fresh and salt water. Additionally, migration of herring and rainbow smelt in the waterway had to be factored into any possible solution. And finally, any construction schedule would require working with the tides.
The solution proposed by Team EJP, and ultimately agreed upon, involved the insertion of a 72” high density polyethylene pipe to line the culvert. After installing inlet and outlet end protection, cellular grout was pumped into the opening between the corroded culvert, the protected ends, and the new liner.
Before construction activities could even be permitted, a long and complex planning process was both inevitable and extremely important. The process started with a referral to the consulting engineer on the project, Princeton Hydro, based in Ringoes, New Jersey. Once the design was completed, a qualified contractor needed to be chosen. T Ford Company of Georgetown, Massachusetts was ultimately chosen.
To permit and ultimately build out the project, coordination and teamwork between many stakeholders was required. Team EJP, the consulting engineer, and the contractor worked closely with the Scituate Historical Society, various environmental agencies and town personnel to balance the necessary environmental and historical considerations with strict safety and performance requirements.
For Team EJP, the path to success on the project was a long one. The proposal to reline the culvert proved to be most appropriate. The process required minimal disturbance of the historic structure with a solid and sustainable solution.
In the end, after careful planning and communication, the slip lining process was completed in just four days.
Everett J. Prescott, Inc. has been dedicated to excellence in the business of water for more than 65 years. It was a distinct honor to contribute to a project that honors the memory of Mordecai Lincoln. Team EJP is also grateful for the great sense of teamwork that assured the project’s success.
As the modern world continues to struggle with increased demand for water, the benefits of water reuse are widely understood and many such solutions have been incorporated into modern infrastructure. Remembered for being far ahead of his time as a proponent of water reuse, Mordecai Lincoln would also be proud to know that his direct descendant became one of our greatest Presidents.
If you need any help or have any questions about Team EJP's services, please contact us today!
