Drainage Relief Project Set for 2009

(posted Feb 17)

Storm Water Management Board President Jeff Hartman continues to push for steady progress to start a storm water relief project in 2008-2009 to help residents in the Gerrard -  Allison Avenue area from 22nd Street to 16th Street.

HNTB Engineer Tom Hutka reported the preliminary design work is completed, the remainder of 2008 will be dedicated to design work and potential land acquisition. Earlier engineering recommendations indicated that a detention pond might be needed to help Dry Run Creek handle increased water volume since the project will separate the combined storm and sewer systems sending more storm water to Dry Run instead of the waste water treatment plant. Construction is expected to start in 2009. The construction will involve tearing up streets to install new sanitary lines and using the combined pipes as a storm water pipe. Hutka said the "involved" project will include installing new roads.

Computer modeling has not been completed on the creek to see if it can handle the additional water volume once the separation occurs. The detention pond would hold the water back and release it at different time intervals to prevent flooding neighborhoods. At this point, Hutka did not have a pond location or pond dimensions.

Hartman requested that HNTB and the board develop a time line to implement project to restore the function of Dry Run Creek. As far as Hartman is concerned the delays have been going on too long.

The 2006 Dry Run Restorative project was placed on hold when the bids came in too high. Hartman now recommends a two bid project. One bid would cover improvements north of 25th Street to Moller Road, and the second project would extend from 25th Street to Georgetown Road.

Hutka said the past engineering plans would be not be lost but "reused" and "revised." Hutka said the revised engineering plans will take out the landscaping and beautification amenities to keep the project costs down.

David Kieser, grant writer, informed the board that he applied for a $100,000 grant for the town's project and the time line and scope would be important to be included in the grant. The town also has a $467,000 general obligation bond that is dedicated for the project.