 Reserved Channel at L Street |
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The separation of combined sewers in the Reserved Channel area of South Boston is being undertaken by the Boston Water and Sewer Commission (BWSC) on behalf of the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA). The purpose of this court ordered separation project is to improve water quality in the Reserved Channel and Boston Harbor by substantially decreasing the number and volume of Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) in the Reserved Channel. Background This sewer separation project was included in the MWRA’s 2004 Supplemental Facilities Plan and Environmental Impact Report on the Long-Term CSO Control Plan for North Dorchester Bay and Reserved Channel. Combined sewers are found in many older cities and carry both sanitary sewage and stormwater in the same pipe. During dry weather, sanitary flows are conveyed to interceptor sewers which transport the sewage flows to a wastewater treatment facility. During wet weather, the stormwater gradually takes up the greater portion of the space in the pipe and, depending upon the duration and intensity of the storm, may exceed the capacity of the combined sewer system. The excess combined flows are transported to overflow conduits which discharge into a local body of water. The resulting discharge of both sewage and stormwater flows from these overflow pipes is known as a CSO (combined sewer overflow). The existing overflow conduits in the Reserved Channel area currently discharge CSOs into the Reserved Channel at outfalls BOS 076, BOS 078, BOS 079, and BOS 080. This sewer separation project will replace the existing single combined system with two separate systems, one for sanitary sewage (typically the existing pipe) and one for stormwater (typically the new pipe). When construction is completed, sanitary sewage will be conveyed to the MWRA’s Deer Island Wastewater Treatment Plant while stormwater will be discharged directly into the Reserved Channel thereby substantially decreasing, if not eliminating, CSOs. As a result, Reserved Channel/Boston Harbor will no longer be subjected to the harmful effects of pollution from such CSOs during heavy rainstorms. Project Coordination and Construction Activity The Commission is committed to working closely with the Mayor’s Office, Public Officials, Boston Public Works Department, Boston Transportation Department, Department of Environmental Protection, Massport Authority, Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, and other city departments, public and private utilities, state and federal agencies and, most importantly, with abutters to the project to ensure its successful undertaking and completion. Effective project coordination will also help mitigate many short-term construction related impacts that may be associated with the project. The Commission will adhere to all City and State regulations and ordinances governing construction in public roadways. All dust, debris and excavate will be strictly controlled and monitored. In an effort to streamline and expedite all temporary and permanent roadway resurfacing, the Commission will complete all pavement restoration work as part of this project in accordance with the requirements of the Boston Public Works Department. Similarly, sidewalks and private property impacted by this construction on will be restored under this contract. |
Project Area The Reserved Channel Sewer Separation Project Area encompasses an area roughly delineated by the Reserved Channel/Fargo Street (north end), Farragut Road (east end), East Fourth Street/West Broadway (south end), and B/C Street near the Haul Road (west end); refer to attached map. Land use in the project area is characterized by residential neighborhoods and light industrial, small and large business, transportation, civic, education, and cultural facilities. Click here for a map of the area. Schedule PRELIMINARY DESIGN PHASE - July 2006 to December 2007. During this phase, the extent and limits of work will be established. FINAL DESIGN PHASE – Late 2007 through December 2012. During this phase, it is envisioned that five construction contracts will be prepared and awarded. CONSTRUCTION PHASE - May 2009 through December 2015. During this period, construction of the five contracts will be phased with each contract lasting approximately 18–24 months. Scope of Work DESIGN PHASE – will involve:
CONSTRUCTION PHASE – will involve:
Community Relations Program The Commission is committed to a proactive community relations program during the design and construction phases of this project. The program is designed to keep residents, businesses and elected officials informed about the project by holding public information/education meetings during the different phases of the project. Prior to commencing construction, public meetings will be held to provide specific information and schedules for the upcoming work. The program will also provide project information on the Commission’s website (www.bwsc.org), and meeting with residents, businesses, civic groups, educational and cultural institutions, and elected officials to provide periodic updates, as requested or appropriate. Commission staff will work closely with project neighborhood regarding issues such as pedestrian and vehicular traffic management, access to residences/buildings, deliveries, trash removal, and Conley Terminal traffic. |
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PROJECT CONTACTS |
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For further information or questions, please contact the persons below: Edward Duggan, Senior Design Engineer Thomas Bagley, Deputy Director of Communications, 617-989-7000 |
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Purpose