The first known buoyant gravity sewer in the world, the Lake Oswego Interceptor Sewer (LOIS) underwent a condition assessment after a decade of service. Because this innovative infrastructure is fully submerged beneath Oswego Lake, access points for a standard inspection were limited. To avoid draining the lake or disrupting service, the tailored approach combined trenchless inspection technologies, engineer-diver-led exterior assessments, and carefully coordinated barge and caisson access operations on the lake. The critical data gathered from the assessment informed a five-part capital improvement plan to guide future maintenance.

Brendan O’Sullivan and Brandon Falk, trenchless technology leaders at Consor, and Stefan Broadus at the City of Lake Oswego coauthored a white paper that was published in full by  North American Society for Trenchless Technology (NASTT) on page 58 of the 2026 No-Dig Show Conference Edition of Trenchless North America.

Read the full white paper: Inspection of the LOIS Buoyant Interceptor.

About The Author

Brendan O’Sullivan, PE

Brendan O’Sullivan, PE

Technical Practice Leader, Trenchless Technologies

As our Technical Practice Leader in Trenchless Technologies, Brendan has served in a variety of design and construction administration roles on major public improvement projects that include large diameter pipelines, distribution waterlines, sanitary sewers, storm sewers, utility undergrounding, streetscape improvements and transportation enhancements.

Keep up with Consor by subscribing to email updates.

* Only your email address is required.