Taxpayers around the Alberni-Clayoquot could save money on sewer operating and maintenance costs thanks to a polyurethane foam that stops rainwater infiltration.

Almost 20 contractors and public works employees from Tofino, Ucluelet, Port Alberni and Nanaimo attended a two day-conference in Tofino this week to learn how to use Prime Flex Resins.

At one point Thursday afternoon, workers watched Tyler Huebner, of Clayoquot Sound Excavating, apply the product down a manhole on the Pacific Rim Highway near Industrial Way.

Don MacKinnon, Tofino’s public works superintendent, recently told the Westcoaster.ca that rainwater infiltration into the sewer system is a big local problem because it puts additional pressure on pumps and infrastructure and draws more power from BC Hydro.

“If we reduce the volume [of infiltration] it reduces the pump hours,” he added Thursday. “We pay roughly $1,500 to $2,000 a year in power for [sewer] lift stations. It’s all going to reduce the power.”

Using the product is simple.

With the help of a hose and nozzle, workers spray the resin into holes or cracks. The resin reacts with water, creating an expansive foam that fills the void and stops leaks and rainwater infiltration.

MacKinnon said crews have already used the product on several of the district’s manholes this week.

According to literature provided by MARTECH, the company supplying the product, two gallons of water can enter a one-quarter-inch hole every minute, costing an additional $3,500 a year to treat.

The district already has plans for a waste-water treatment plant.

Glenn Votkin, a MARTECH trainer, said the product costs less than the bill to treat water.

“This stuff is environmentally friendly, safe,” he added.

When it reacts with water, he added, it is virtually inert.

“There is no concern of risk to the environment.”

He said the product can reduce sewer flows, reduce the stress on sewers and allow additional development.

The product has already won over several contractors and public works employees.

Ryan Ward, of Nanaimo’s Windley Contracting, said the product pays for itself right away, and uses are not limited to sewers.

He said workers can use the product on cracked pipes, too.

Russell Gibson, of Gibson Brothers Contracting Ltd., said he likes the product.

“You can do it [the work] from outside and you don’t have to go into the manhole.”

“I think it should have been here a long time ago,” added Gerry Gionette, of Ucluelet’s AG Project Management Inc.

He said it is easy and simple to use.

“We’re going to reduce our groundwater infiltration problem by 60 per cent, which will probably reduce our outfall volume by about five per cent,” said MacKinnon.

He said the district will track the impact and reduce it to dollars and cents.