Sewer line collapsed Sunday at 64th St. and Hanover

Sewer line collapsed Sunday at 64th St. and Hanover

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Sewer line collapsed Sunday at 64th St. and Hanover

Utility crews in northwest Albuquerque spent Monday repairing a collapsed sewer line.

The incident happened Sunday around 8:30 p.m. near the intersection of 64th St. and Hanover.

"This is a major sewer line that serves most of the west side of Albuquerque," David Morris, public affairs manager with the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Authority, said.

As for the reason behind the collapse, Morris said the 48-inch pipeline was old and installed in 1963.

"So that's nearing the end of its useful life, and then this collapse occurred, which basically affects most of the sewage coming out of the west side of Albuquerque and going down to the sewage treatment plant," he said.

The blockage has caused major backups for nearby businesses and homes, including flooding at one Albuquerque couple's home.

Where the burden, and smell, is overwhelming.

"It's horrible. I mean, I feel like throwing up, like, nauseated," Ramon Jaramillo, who lives near the sewer line, said.

Jaramillo said it started Sunday around 4:30 p.m., after his wife Cathy noticed a busted pipe.

"I came and I saw that it was black. Like, there can't be that much coming out of the restroom, you know?" Jaramillo said. "And when it was gushing, we called [the water authority]."

Since then, the front yard of his home has gotten 10 to 11 inches of sewage.

He said utility crews have been working to pump out the excess waste outside his home, but the task has left little sleep for him and Cathy.

The couple ended up staying overnight at a nearby motel.

"I lost work today. Last night we were stressed. We didn't really sleep much thinking that water is going to go into our home," Jaramillo said.

He and his wife have lived inside the Albuquerque home for over 40 years. Cathy said she was even born and raised there.

Frustrations now remain on what becomes of their beloved home, and where they'll be able to relocate for the time being.

Jaramillo said he hopes city officials can help out and take responsibility.

"I had a man come and he just told me that as soon as they pumped, we can move back in. I told him, how am I going to move back in? It stinks," he said. "I mean, I can't stay here. I'm sorry. I cannot stay here."

As of Monday afternoon, crews are still working to repair the line. Morris said they expect to have operations done by the evening hours.

In the meantime, residents in northwest Albuquerque are being asked to restrict water and toilet use to prevent backups.

Affected residents can stop by 6001 Central Avenue NW starting at noon Tuesday to pick up bottled water.

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