About the Project
The Issue
The Werk & Westbourne Solution
Facility Appearance
Community Impact
The Issue
During wet weather, a portion of the combined sewers that service Green Township overflow from an outfall located near the intersection of Werk Road and Westbourne Drive into Schaible Creek. These combined sewer overflows (CSOs) occur when too much stormwater enters the combined sewers during rainstorms and snow melts.
When the combined sewer system was built in this area in the late 1950's, discharging stormwater mixed with sanitary sewage into local creeks and streams was a common wastewater management practice used by sewer agencies across the nation. Growing public health and environmental concerns, however, later drove limits to be placed on sewer overflows through the Clean Water Act. Today, MSD and sewer agencies nationwide are focused on controlling CSOs through programs of system improvements and, where necessary, new treatment facilities
The Werk & Westbourne Solution
After studying the possible options for reducing CSOs, MSD has determined the best solution for the Werk & Westbourne site is to construct an Enhanced High Rate Treatment (EHRT) facility to capture, store and treat most overflows before they are released into the creek.
EHRT facilities are specifically designed to treat and disinfect peak storm flow events before they are discharged into the environment. EHRT facilities operate only when needed, primarily during wet weather. They are typically much smaller than conventional treatment facilities and can more easily be designed to blend into the surrounding neighborhood.
Facility Appearance
The Werk & Westbourne EHRT (WWEHRT) facility will be built on a 6.75-acre parcel of land located on the southwest corner of the Werk & Westbourne intersection (see Project Map). MSD is in the early planning and conceptual design phase for the WWEHRT and most facility design decisions have yet to be made. We do know:
- Portions of the facility may be built underground.
- The exterior elevation of the facility should not exceed one story.
- Facility access will be located in the back, away from the street.
- The facility's facade will blend in with the surrounding neighborhood.
Community Impact
The WWEHRT Facility will control most CSO events at this site, enabling MSD to better protect public health and the local environment. It will also improve neighborhood aesthetics by eliminating sewer debris and significantly reducing sewer odors in the immediate area.
MSD is sensitive that the WWEHRT Facility will be built in a residential area and will work to incorporate the look and feel of the surrounding neighborhood into the facility design. MSD is already working with Green Township on this task and will continue to do so throughout the planning and design process.
Once construction is complete, there will likely be open space on the property that can be used as a community asset—perhaps a small park with walking trails, a playground or a community garden. MSD will work with Green Township representatives to explore the possibilities and final decisions on how to use the space will be based on community preference, feasibility and cost.
