JACKSON TO REVIEW PIPE'S USE

JACKSON -- The use of high-density polyethylene pipe for storm sewers and culverts in the city of Jackson will be reviewed, the city's Planning and Zoning Commission decided Wednesday night.

The commission took the action in the wake of Wednesday night's public hearing on revisions to the city's Land Subdivision Regulations.

During the hearing, L.H. Payne brought up concerns about the pipe, showing commission members trade photographs of jobs that had gone bad along with photos taken Tuesday in Jackson of pipe that appeared to be improperly laid.

He said the pipe cannot be used in many municipalities in the state, including St. Louis, Kansas City and Cape Girardeau.

Payne, who manufactures concrete pipe, provided a list of concerns about whether high-density polyethylene pipe can maintain its integrity, especially if not properly installed.

"The product has some inherent potential problems," he told the commission. "Why should we take a chance on costing the taxpayers more money?"

Under the city's new code, Jackson becomes liable for maintaining pipes one year after they are installed.

Tom Morris, director of the city's Department of Public Works, said Jackson began allowing use of the pipe last year but had not yet adopted the change as formal policy. That was among the proposed revisions to the city's Land Subdivision Regulations.

He said the pipe represents new technology that has the advantage of coming in longer lengths than standard concrete and corrugated tin pipe, reducing the number of joints required.

He said the Kansas City suburb of Blue Springs has approved use of the pipe. In Jackson, the pipe only has been used in Canterberry Estates thus far.

Morris said careful backfilling with rock is crucial to the success of high-density polyethylene pipe, and that the pipe ordinarily is laid only with an inspector present.

Ron Unterreiner and John Lichtenegger, both developers attending the commission meeting because of other projects, spoke in favor of using the pipe, lauding its durability.

Lichtenegger said the pipe can be laid at about half the cost of standard pipe because huge equipment is not required to handle it.

Payne disagrees, saying the extra excavation required to use the pipe offsets savings.