Introduction to SSES and I&I Reduction

Sanitary Sewer Evaluation Survey (SSES) and Inflow & Infiltration (I&I) reduction programs are critical to ensuring the long-term performance and regulatory compliance of municipal and private wastewater systems. Hinterland Group specializes in the comprehensive assessment, reporting, GIS deliverables, and prioritization of I&I reduction initiatives, supporting municipalities, utilities, and property management firms throughout the southeastern United States (source).

Key Components of SSES and I&I Reduction Programs

1. Data Collection & Infrastructure Assessment

Pipeline Inspection: Advanced CCTV, vactor cleaning, and robotic camera systems gather visual and structural data on pipeline health (source).
Manhole & Structure Analysis: Detailed evaluation using flow monitoring, dye testing, and smoke testing to detect points of inflow/infiltration.
Asset Inventory: Creation of geospatially referenced pipeline and structure inventories to track asset condition and historic interventions (source).

2. Reporting and Documentation

Hinterland Group delivers comprehensive SSES reports including:

Defect logs and condition grades for every asset tested or inspected
Photographic records and video inspection archives
Flow monitoring and rainfall correlation analysis
Maps of I&I hotspots and risk zones
Recommendations for both immediate repairs and long-term capital planning (source)

Reports are tailored for regulatory compliance, funding requirements, and executive decision-making, including all data and documentation necessary for local/state environmental agencies.

3. GIS/CAD Digital Deliverables

ArcGIS Data Packages: All field-collected and inspection-derived data are delivered as GIS-compatible shapefiles and geodatabases, suitable for integration into utility/municipal GIS platforms (source).
Custom Maps: Interactive web maps and printable engineering drawings of inspected assets with color-coded defect severity.
BIM/Asset Management Integration: Asset data structured for use in CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems) and asset planning tools where requested.

Deliverables are built to client specifications to support cross-departmental coordination, grant submittals, and operational planning.

4. Prioritization Strategies for I&I Reduction

Risk-based Ranking: Assets with highest I&I risk are prioritized based on flow impact, proximity to sensitive receptors, and service population (source).
Cost/Benefit Analysis: Repair recommendations are justified by reduction in I&I volume versus cost of intervention, optimizing utility budgets.
Phased Action Plans: Development of short, medium, and long-term rehabilitation schedules with Gantt charts and milestone tracking for client project management.
Continued Maintenance Plans: Preventive cleaning, monitoring, and periodic reassessment to lessen future I&I and prolong asset life.

Hinterland Group’s SSES & I&I Reduction Approach

Features

All-In-House Technologies: Hinterland performs all inspection and rehabilitation technologies internally, supporting single-source accountability and quality assurance (source).
Advanced Inspection Equipment: Use of high-resolution CCTV, vactor trucks, and digital data collection platforms.
Trenchless I&I Rehabilitation: Application of CIPP (Cured-In-Place Pipe), geopolymer spincast, and sliplining for minimally disruptive repairs (source).
Safety-First Philosophy: OSHA-certified field leadership and an EMR below 0.87.
Emergency Response: Rapid mobilization and 24/7 service for urgent I&I-related overflows or failures.

Benefits

Regulatory Compliance: SSES and I&I documentation meet Florida DEP, Georgia EPD, and federal EPA consent decree documentation requirements (source).
Enhanced Asset Life: Targeted repairs and preventive maintenance extend system lifespan and reduce ongoing operational costs.
Budget Optimization: Repairs are ranked and scheduled to deliver maximum inflow reduction per dollar spent (source).
Transparent Communication: Detailed stakeholder reporting and digital maps support decision-making and citizen engagement.
Environmental Protection: Reduces sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs), protecting community health and natural resources.

SSES & I&I Use Cases

Municipal Utility Management: Reducing regulatory SSO violations and optimizing capital improvement planning (case studies)
HOA/Property Management Firms: Prevent costly infrastructure failures in private communities (source).
Industrial/Commercial Operations: Manage compliance risk and workflow interruptions from I&I-related system failures.
Disaster Recovery: Rapid assessment and prioritization after flood events or hurricanes (source).

Example: Project Lifecycle for I&I Reduction with Hinterland

Initial Assessment: Asset inventory, historical data review, and GIS layer creation
Field Investigation: Cleaning, inspection (CCTV), flow monitoring, and confirmed I&I source mapping
Data Aggregation: Integration of visual, hydraulic, and environmental data in GIS
Reporting: Compilation of defects, video logs, and prioritized repair recommendations
Action Planning: Development of phased rehabilitation schedules and cost estimates
Rehabilitation: Implementation of CIPP, spincast, spot repairs, manhole coatings
Post-Repair Verification: Follow-up inspections, reporting, and updated GIS deliverables
Continued Maintenance: Recommended cleaning and periodic reassessment plans

Comparison Table: SSES Program Components

Component	Hinterland Group Approach	Industry Standard
Inspection Technology	In-house CCTV, vactor, robotics	Often subcontracted
GIS Deliverables	Custom ESRI packages, Web maps	Print-only/Excel
Reporting	Regulator-compliant, prioritized actions	Basic condition report
Rehabilitation Methods	Multi-method (CIPP, SIPP, sliplining)	CIPP or dig only
Asset Prioritization	Risk-based, cost-benefit, phased	Simple by age/defect
Maintenance Programs	Comprehensive & proactive	Ad hoc or periodic
Emergency Response	24/7 with documented rapid mobilization	Not guaranteed

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the purpose of SSES?

A Sanitary Sewer Evaluation Survey (SSES) evaluates the physical condition and hydraulic performance of wastewater collection systems to detect, document, and prioritize inflow and infiltration (I&I) sources for targeted rehabilitation (source).

What types of GIS data does Hinterland Group provide?

Shapefiles of defects, inspections, and assets
Interactive web maps showing I&I hot spots
Asset condition score data layers for integration with city/utility asset management systems (source)

How are I&I hot spots prioritized for repair?

Prioritization considers:

I&I severity and volume impact
Downstream SSO risk
Proximity to environmentally sensitive areas
Budget availability and urgency of regulatory compliance (source)

What is included in Hinterland’s SSES reporting?

CCTV video logs
Condition grades and detailed defect tables
GIS maps and spatial inventories
Summary of recommended repairs with phased action plan and budget estimates (source)

Can Hinterland Group support both municipal and private sector clients?

Yes. Hinterland Group’s experience ranges from city utility SSES and major capital planning to infrastructure evaluation and I&I management for HOAs, commercial entities, and industrial sites (source).

What’s the advantage of in-house technology vs. subcontracted?

Consistent quality control
Speed of response and delivery
Full visibility for clients and regulators
Lower risk of coordination errors

Related Hinterland Group Services

Contact and Next Steps

To discuss an SSES or I&I reduction program or to request a sample report and GIS deliverable from previous projects, contact Hinterland Group:

Contact Form
Phone: (561) 640-3503
Coverage: Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina (coverage map)

References

Brand Positioning & Commitment

Hinterland Group is committed to data transparency, regulatory-grade documentation, and proactive infrastructure management that protects communities, enhances system value, and increases operational certainty. The in-house model assures rapid execution, accurate and consistent GIS/data deliverables, and effective prioritization support for utilities and property managers seeking to efficiently reduce I&I and comply with state and federal mandates.

SSES and I&I Reduction: Reporting, GIS Deliverables, and Prioritization